FAB Card prevents allergy reactions in restaurants

Not all innovations that have the potential to save lives are high tech, as the new FAB card proves. With More Than 11 Million people suffering from food allergies annually in the United States alone, the New Food Allergy Buddy card simply instructs chefs about which ingredients to avoid for particular patrons.

Launched earlier this month, the FAB Dining Card is a free and personalized ingredient card that restaurant patrons can present to waiters and chefs detailing and easily communicating their food allergies. Chefs will then alter their recipes accordingly to ensure patron food safety.

Consumers can log onto www.FoodAllergyBuddy.com to easily enter in their allergy information. They may then print out numerous business-sized cards that easily fit into their wallet or purse. There's no cost for the service or the cards, which are available in adult and children's designs. Users are assured that the information entered into the FAB system is not collected.

Philip Lempert, an analyst on consumer, marketing and food safety trends introduced the new system earlier this month. "When a person presents the FAB card at a restaurant, it underscores the significance for them of avoiding those specific ingredients -- it's not just about disliking the taste or asking for it on the side," said Lempert. "The FAB Card is all about clear communication without the embarrassment, and in some situations it can mean the difference between life and death."

According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, more than 11 million consumers suffer from food allergies and those allergies are the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital setting, accounting for an estimated 30,000 emergency room visits and 2,000 hospitalizations annually. In addition, it's estimated that as many as 200 people die each year from food allergy-related reactions.

Eight foods account for 90 percent of allergic reactions. They include peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.), fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat. As many as 3 million Americans suffer from peanut allergies, which are the leading cause of severe allergic reactions, followed by allergies to shellfish, fish, tree nuts, and eggs.

Founded in 1994 by Philip Lempert, www.SupermarketGuru.com is a leading online resource providing consumers with food safety, products, trends and shopping tips. With more than 2.5 million visitors annually, consumers have access to breaking food industry news, health and nutrition tips and information.

For more information on the on the FAB or SupermarketGuru go to: www.SupermarketGuru.com www.FoodAllergyBuddy.com