Labeling and allergens
Helping children make healthy choices
A new partnership between Albert / Hypernova and Bambiriáda, a nationwide children’s event in the Czech Republic, sees the supermarket educating more children about the importance of a healthy diet through its Healthy 5 program. Albert / Hypernova is now the main regional partner of Bambiriáda, which took place in 22 cities and towns in 2008. Over 100 youth associations and related groups come together for the event, which aims to stimulate the personal development of children.
We have introduced clearer food allergen labeling on many corporate brand products. Our companies provide additional information through websites and customer publications.
In 2008, our U.S. operating companies were involved in two campaigns to raise awareness of food allergies. During U.S. National Food Safety Education Month, they took part in the Take Action to Prevent Allergic Reaction campaign, aimed at reducing incidents of food allergy reactions. Stop & Shop partnered with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) to make it easier to shop for gluten-free foods and medicines. It sponsored a gluten-free cook-off with top chefs and doctors. The company also hosted a “gluten in medications” event to educate hospitals, communities and its own pharmacists about celiac disease. In addition, Giant-Carlisle’s in-store nutritionists provide individual counseling and classes for customers with food allergies.
In Europe, Albert Heijn ran a pilot to make it easier for customers to spot products with allergens. The system works with hand-held scanners in the stores. Customers indicate which ingredients they are allergic to and as they scan products, information is displayed on the screen.
In 2008, the Swedish Celiac Youth Organization awarded ICA the SCUF fork, a prize recognizing efforts to make it easier to identify products containing gluten, lactose or soy. ICA has worked on food allergy issues since the early 1990s and carries a special product line, SärNär/FriFor, for people with food allergies.
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