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Environmental Health & Safety

Allergy Awareness

UTSC is not allergen-free

The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) supports those with allergies and aims to increase allergy awareness on campus. Please be aware that UTSC is not allergen-free due to the diversity of campus environments and population attending and visiting the campus.

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Wash hands before and after handling food
  2. Be considerate and do not leave behind food waste or residue
  3. Ask for food restrictions before eating a common food allergen with others
  4. Ask about allergies and accommodate when planning activities/events involving food and/or other common allergens

DID YOU KNOW?

1. About 1 in 13 Canadians have food allergies that cause health effects, ranging from minor to life-threatening symptoms. (1)

2.  Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency identify eggs, milk, mustard, peanut, shellfish, fish, sesame, soy, sulphites, tree nuts and wheat as priority allergens. (2)

3. Besides food allergies, other common allergens are drugs (e.g. antibiotics), latex, insect stings (3) and animals.

 

Do you have allergies?

Tips to manage your allergies:

Be Ready.
  • Always carry your medications (e.g. epinephrine auto-injector(s), antihistamines, inhalers, etc.)
  • Wear a medical bracelet outlining medical condition(s)
  • In case of accidental exposure, know your emergency numbers and how to call for help when on campus (911 & Campus Safety, 416-978-2222)
Be Informed.
  • Always ask your food provider if food contains or may contain your allergen(s)
  • Always check the ingredients label of packaged foods
Be Your Own Advocate.
  • Let those close to you know about your allergies and how to support you in case of accidental exposure (e.g. friends, roommates, colleagues, supervisor, manager)
  • Inform your University program(s) or department(s) of your allergies such as the university meal plan, residences, and if your allergen(s) may be a part of your work, labs, classes, field trips, etc. (e.g. food, latex, chemicals, insect bites/stings, animals)
  • If you require accommodations for your allergies, contact:
    • AccessAbility Services (Students)
    • Your Supervisor and/or Human Resources (Workplace)

 

Campus Communication Materials:

 

Event, Classroom & Meeting Planning Resources

University Resources:

UTSC Allergy Emergency Kits: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ehs/allergy-emergency-kits

 

Additional Resources:

 

References:

  1. Soller et al. (2015). Prevalence and predictors of food allergy in Canada: A focus on vulnerable populations. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice; 3(1), 42-49

  2. Common Food Allergens: Priority Allergens, (2018, May 14). Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-allergies-intolerances/food-allergies.html

  3. About Allergies: Non-Food Allergens. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://foodallergycanada.ca/about-allergies/non-food-allergens/