HomeLatest news from Food Allergy Canada – March 2022

Latest news from Food Allergy Canada – March 2022

March 4, 2022

Join us for our upcoming webinar on food allergy and asthma with experts Dr. Mariam Hanna and Dr. Doug Mack. Check out our new website section on Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a type of food allergy that affects the gastrointestinal/digestive tract. ICYMI, read our milk allergy alert from Bimbo Canada on select Dempster’s Sliced Bread Products. Learn about our 2022 community awards and apply or nominate others soon – applications close in one month. Plus, read our tips for a safe and fun spring break.


March 29 webinar: Food allergy and asthma: how do they impact each other – register now and submit your questions!

Dr. Hanna and Dr. Mack
Dr. Mariam Hanna and Dr. Doug Mack

Are individuals who have both food allergy and uncontrolled asthma at an increased risk for severe allergic reactions?

Find out how food allergy and asthma are related and how these conditions can be successfully managed through our informative and educational webinar with two expert guests, Dr. Mariam Hanna and Dr. Doug Mack. A Q&A will follow the discussion where you can ask questions, plus, you can submit your questions upon registration. Register now.

You will learn:

  • How food allergy and asthma are related and impact each other
  • What controlled asthma is and why it is important in relation to food allergy
  • How uncontrolled asthma can make food allergic reactions more severe
  • How to tell the difference between an asthma attack and anaphylaxis, and what to do when unsure
  • The importance of controlled asthma for patients undergoing OIT/desensitization therapies
  • Strategies to control asthma, and more!

Who is presenting:

  • Dr. Mariam Hanna: Dr. Hanna is a Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Specialist. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University and the Section Chair in Allergy & Immunology for the Ontario Medical Association.
  • Dr. Doug Mack: Dr. Mack is a Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Specialist. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University, on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and on the Executive for Allergy & Immunology for the Ontario Medical Association.

When is the webinar: Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 12pm to 1pm EDT

Don’t miss out on this informative session with experts! Register now, and please share with others who may benefit from the session.


New web section on  Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Diagram of swallowing

Do you/your child have EoE, a type of food allergy that affects the gastrointestinal/digestive tract, or know someone who does? Check out our new website section which includes essential information and resources for those impacted by EoE and their families.

In this section, you’ll learn:

  • What EoE is, including who is affected by this condition, the symptoms, the causes, and why it is important to have it diagnosed and treated
  • How EoE is diagnosed, learn who makes the diagnosis and about the procedures involved
  • Treatment options available for EoE, including medications, dietary management, or a combination of these
  • Tips that can help you manage the condition day-to-day, and more!

ICYMI – Milk Allergy Alert: New “May contain milk” statement on select Dempster’s® sliced bread products

Last month, Bimbo Canada, the parent company of Dempster’s®, informed consumers about a change to select sliced bread products that came into effect February 10th, 2022. In case you missed it, read more about the change below.

dempster's safety update

What’s changing

Select Dempster’s® sliced bread products will now have a “May contain: Sesame Seeds,  Milk” statement on the package following the ingredient list. This statement originally only listed a ‘May contain’ warning for sesame seeds. It has now been updated to also include milk.

Find more details on the products affected, and read Bimbo Canada’s letter outlining this product labelling change.


Call for applications: 2022 community awards – applications close in one month!

The deadline is quickly approaching to apply or nominate someone for our community awards. Learn about our awards/grants below and read about last year’s inspiring winners. Be sure to apply soon and please share with others who may be eligible. All applications are due April 4, 2022.

Pryde Family Grant

Graduate student smiling holding a folder

For graduate students, medical students, and healthcare professionals with an interest in food allergy/anaphylaxis. The Pryde Family Grant offers two grants valued at $500 each to help cover the costs of attending an academic program or event related to food allergy. Read about last year’s recipients, Connor Prosty and Rishma Chooniedass.

Robyn Allen Leadership Award

Robyn Allen

For a healthcare professional, industry representative, government representative, or an individual who has exemplified extraordinary leadership and dedication in the advancement of food allergy awareness and education. Read about last year’s recipient, Dr. Waleed Alqurashi.

Sabrina Shannon Memorial Award

Sabrina Shannon, young Ontario girl who passed away in 2003 due to an anaphylactic reaction

For students entering their first year or continuing their studies at a post-secondary institution. Students can apply for a chance to receive one of two awards valued at $1,000 each. Applicants do not need to have food allergies to be eligible for the award. Read about last year’s recipients, Marissa Kaminski and Ella VanderLelie.


Tips for a safe and fun spring break

The words Spring Break in cut out magazine letters pinned to a background of blue graph paper

It’s spring break season! For those of you who have children on spring break or will be soon, check out our helpful resources and reminders for staying safe with food allergy. Remember to check public health guidance in your area and the places you visit on participating in activities.


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