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University of Connecticut

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Program Name

Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy

Abstract

The Hygiene Hypothesis suggests that as societies become increasingly sterile and there is less exposure to microorganisms early in life; consequently, there is an increase in inflammatory autoimmune disorders and allergies due to a maladapted immune system to the new sterile environment. This hypothesis can offer a possible explanation for the observed increase in allergies, specifically food allergies, in developed countries. To explore the psychosocial burden of allergies and evaluate the quality of life this paper will explore the food allergen labeling policies for prepackaged foods, the regulation of allergen information for non-prepackaged foods, and the psychosocial burden food allergies can have on youth populations in the developed countries, Switzerland and the United States of America. Insufficient and inconsistent governmental regulations for allergen labeling and information can increase anxiety for individuals with food allergies. Food and eating practices are important to social development; therefore, being isolated from social eating practices, especially during adolescence, can increase stress and decrease Quality of Life. This paper utilizes scientific literature, grey literature, informal interviews, and semi-structured formal interviews to address the research question.

Limited data on food allergies in Switzerland makes it difficult to fully determine the Quality of Life of people with food allergies in this country; however, the available data compared to the United States revealed that both countries have various aspects of their legislation and social attitudes of food allergies they can target to improve the Quality of Life of allergy sufferers. Both countries must address the inconsistent use of precautionary allergen labeling, the lack of allergy awareness training in food businesses, and bullying directed toward students with food allergies in schools to help alleviate the disease burden of food allergies.

Disciplines

Allergy and Immunology | Food Studies | Health Policy | Medicine and Health | Social Psychology and Interaction

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