Food Safety Team Honored for Allergen Awareness Initiatives

A national award has acknowledged a team’s “tireless commitment” to educating food businesses about allergen-related risks. The Lancashire County Council Trading Standards food team was honored with The Megan Lee Award during a ceremony held at the Houses of Parliament. In 2016, Megan Lee, aged 15, sustained irreversible brain damage after consuming a takeaway meal in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, which contained undeclared allergens. Megan’s parents, Gemma and Adam Lee, have collaborated with the county council to inform businesses about their responsibilities concerning allergens. The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) established this award in 2023 to acknowledge individuals or groups who have performed “outstanding to protect the public from serious food safety breaches.” The Lancashire team initiated its efforts in 2016 after its sampling program revealed significant problems with undeclared allergens. Subsequently, they have created training materials emphasizing the hazards of anaphylaxis and conducted presentations for schools and businesses. Furthermore, they have carried out more than 300 allergen sampling tests, resulting in seven prosecutions and two cautions. John Herriman, CTSI chief executive, stated that the team has “shown extraordinary dedication and innovation in tackling the vital issue of food allergens.” He added, “Their work has saved lives, raised awareness, and created lasting change in how allergens are managed,” and described the award as “a fitting tribute to their achievements.” County councillor Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, commented: “Receiving the Megan Lee Award is a great honour, and further reinforces our position as an authority that is leading the way in this area.” He added, “This recognition celebrates the team’s tireless commitment to protecting vulnerable consumers.”