Date of Release: 25 October 2002
For immediate use

Norwich scientists want partially digested food

Scientists from the Institute of Food Research (IFR) on Norwich Research Park are investigating the causes of food allergy. The subject of their study will be partially digested milk and peanuts.

"About one person in a hundred people in the UK is allergic to particular foods. Most of these people suffer mild symptoms, but for some the allergy can be very serious and even life threatening", says Richard Faulks, the scientist leading the study. "We want to find out why some foods cause allergy and what we can do to prevent it", he says.

The foods most commonly responsible are nuts, milk, eggs and seafood. The IFR is seeking volunteers for the study who are healthy, aged between 20 and 55 and not allergic to milk or peanuts. Volunteers will be fed cows milk or "peanut milk" - made by blending peanuts with water. Researchers will monitor how your body digests its "meal" and breaks down the proteins that cause an allergic reaction in some people.

"People with allergies usually just avoid the foods that upset them. This can have a negative impact on their diet. It is particularly difficult for children when eating out or being served ready-made foods. We want to find an alternative to improve the quality of life for food allergic people", says Faulks.

Please contact Richard Faulks on 01603 255235 if you would like to volunteer.

For further information contact:

Zoe Dunford Media Manager Institute of Food Research Norwich Research Park Colney Norwich NR4 7UA

Tel: +44 (0) 1603 255 111 Fax: +44 (0)1603 255 168 Mobile: 07768 164185 e-mail zoe.dunford@ifr.ac.uk www.ifr.ac.uk

Notes for editors:

• The mission of the Institute of Food Research is to carry out independent basic, and strategic research on food safety, quality, nutrition and health. It is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status, grant aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park.
• The Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park.
• ISDN Audio available.

-ENDS-

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