Interactive game by EUFIC aims to educate children about food allergy
- 20 July 2015
- News
Interactive game by EUFIC aims to educate children about food allergy
The European Food Information Council (EUFIC) have created an interactive game with the aim to educate children on avoiding allergens in food in a fun and engaging manner.
The game, named ‘Beat the Allergy’, aims to encourage children to ask about ingredients in prepared food and read the labels too.
It is simple and clear to use, meaning children of any age should be able to engage with it easily. A welcome page explains the game before you enter, describing a situation in which you are allergic to egg and must identify safe foods at lunchtime.
The child must then drag safe foods onto their tray, with the options of asking a member of staff or reading the labelling if they are unsure of what is in the food. If, once they have put all the foods they think are ‘safe’ onto the tray, they press finish and have a reaction they are asked to try again.
It is very simple to use and even comes with helpful descriptions that encourage the child to always ask if they are unsure and gives advice as to whether an item is always safe or not – encouraging vigilance.
i.e. The burger – “This burger does not contain egg. But it’s good that you asked as sometimes burgers contain egg when they have been prepared at home.”
A helpful reminder that just because the food does not contain egg this once, does not mean this will always be the case.
It promises to be a useful resource in allergy education for children, and could even help build their confidence.
Play the game here http://www.coolfoodplanet.org/9-12/healthy-town/beat-the-allergy
EUFIC have also released a jargon-free, clear and concise video called ‘Living with a Food Allergy’ find out more about this here
