We have a new Executive Director, plus, learn about the shortage of EpiPen auto-injectors, the allergen changes for certain flavours of Pringles potato chips, and the launch of OHIP+ in Ontario.
You can also watch a video about the impact our Allergy Pals mentorship program has made and get direct access to the allergies feature in this month’s edition of Today’s Parent.
Jennifer Gerdts
Welcome Jennifer Gerdts
After more than 14 years leading Food Allergy Canada, Laurie Harada stepped down as Executive Director at the end of last year. Jennifer Gerdts, former member of the Board, is now in the role and will build on Laurie’s accomplishments. Read more.
Stay tuned for a more personal introduction from Jennifer in the coming weeks.
EpiPen 0.3 mg auto-injector supply interruption
Drug Shortages Canada is reporting a temporary shortage of 0.3 mg EpiPen® auto-injectors in Canada.
Pfizer Canada, the Canadian distributor for EpiPen®, has released a statement. Learn more and read their statement.
New milk allergen notice for Pringles Ketchup flavour and BBQ flavour potato chips
Kellogg Canada recently announced a change to the formula of Pringles Ketchup flavour potato chips and Pringles BBQ flavour potato chips, which will begin to arrive in retail stores this month.
Starting in January 2018, Pringles Ketchup flavour and Pringles BBQ flavour potato chips will now contain milk in the Ingredient List and Contains Statement.
As part of their communication initiative to inform consumers with food allergies, they have provided a letter outlining this product launch and labelling, read the letter now.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Pringles directly at 1 855 306-1834.
Ontario residents: OHIP+ Children and Youth Pharmacare has launched!
The 
Ontario Government launched the OHIP+ Children and Youth Pharmacare on January 1, 2018. Under this new program individuals, who are 24 years old and under, will have access to over 4,400 medications and other drug products, including the EpiPen® and EpiPen® Jr.
OHIP+ will greatly benefit many individuals and families who have children/youth with food allergies, and who may not have been able to afford an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen®).
Learn more at ontario.ca/ohipplus.
WATCH: Allergy Pals video – see the impact of this peer mentorship program
Featured in AllerGen NCE’s annual report, this video features the Allergy Pals mentorship program from the perspectives of a mentor, a parent, and a participant.
AllerGen is a national research network whose mission is to help Canadians address the challenges of living with asthma, allergies, anaphylaxis, and related immune diseases. Allergy Pals program materials were adapted from AllerGen research led by Dr. Miriam Stewart and her team at the University of Alberta.
Watch the video below:
To learn more about Allergy Pals visit our Allergy Pals page. You can also:
- Register your child for the 8-week mentorship program which starts on January 27, 2018
- Register your child for the Allergy Pals monthly webinar on January 28, 2018
Allergies feature in Today’s Parent magazine
Check out the January issue of Today’s Parent for the special interest section on allergies. The section includes an interview with our Media Ambassador, Alex Tagliani, and tips for managing food allergies over the holidays from Beatrice Povolo, our Director of Advocacy and Media Relations. Although the holidays have passed, you can use these tips all year round as they focus on staying safe during any celebrations.
If you did not have a chance to pick up a copy of the issue, we have an electronic version of the feature you can read!
Tags: Allergy Pals, leadership, Milk, ohip+, pringles, video