Food Allergies and Australian Combat Ration Packs
Abstract
Food allergy is an immunological reaction to a component of food. Allergic responses are often immediate and can be minor, moderate, serious, or even result in death. Food allergies are believed to affect 2-5% of the general population, with children affected more commonly than adults. Eight major food allergens-milk, eggs, finfish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans-are responsible for most allergic reactions, and food producers are required by law to declare these allergens where present in their food. Individuals with a food allergy are unlikely to be accepted into the ADF, but there is a small chance that persons, including civilians, suffering from food allergy may consume ration packs. The current CR1M was examined to determine if it would be practicable to remove nuts or other major allergens from the menus. The removal of four specific items-for which alternatives can readily be identified-from the current CR1M menus would result in CR1M being free of nut/seed ingredients. However, there are nutrition-related penalties involved in this course of action. Designing a major-allergen-free ration pack is not considered to be practicable nor desirable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA530797
Entities
People
- J. E. Carins
- K. J. Smith
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group