STAYING SAFE WHEN ORDERING FOOD ONLINE
Welcome to the project
We are a dedicated research team from Queen’s University Belfast trying to improve the safety of food products procured online for people with food hypersensitivity (e.g. allergy, intolerance, coeliac disease). We are investigating this from the perspective of people with food hypersensitivities and we are crowdsourcing contributions from the UK food hypersensitive community.
Where are the gaps and why we are concerned?
The global pandemic has led to soaring demand for online food delivery (take away orders).
It is increasingly hard to make informed choices when remotely ordering food if you have a food hypersensitivity.
Some takeaway restaurants in the UK may not have systems in place to ensure the information they are providing regarding food allergens is accurate and verifiable and that poses a risk to the public.
Do you have a food sensitivity? Do you want to be involved in improving the food safety standards for people like you?
Seems you are a good fit. By actively participating in the project you can shape the next generation of food standards for remote food procurement for people with hypersensitivities
See this video that explains our project
Join us as a Citizen Scientist
By joining this project you will become a ‘Citizen Scientist’; this is because you will help design the study and collect the findings together.
You will have the opportunity to collect findings, help with the analysis, co-design part of the elements of the study together with other members of the public in the same role as you and in collaboration with us, the project team.
We need to hear from you as we know that hypersensitivities are experienced differently by different people. Our goal is to let as many voices as possible be heard.
Together we can work to improve takeaway standards for those at risk and provide a better quality of life for them.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for people with a food hypersensitivity (e.g. allergy, intolerance, coeliac disease) who are willing to volunteer with their time to help improve the quality of life of people with food hypersensitivity.
Sounds like you or somebody you care for, e.g. a child or partner?
If you are over 16 years old, have a smartphone and live anywhere in the UK you are eligible. No specific skills are required.
Interested? What are you waiting for?
Join us now, contribute with your findings and we can work together for a future where everyone can enjoy food safely.
If you would like to contribute to the study, please click the 'Join Us' button to express your interest.
Hurry up, as places are limited.
What do you need to do in this project?
There are different levels of contribution and you may contribute as much or as little as you want and shape your own journey. Please have in mind that you are free to leave the study at any time.
Complete an online questionnaire on your views and practices about food hypersensitivities.
Explore and document the information given by your local takeaway restaurants by navigating through their websites.
Co-design certain elements of the study within a small group of CS and the project team at Queen's,
Order a takeaway meal from one of your local takeaway restaurants and document the process you have followed by providing screenshots, and photos of the meal you ordered. You should not consume the meal you ordered but post it to our laboratory for allergen analysis once you receive it.
Help with statistical analysis, publication, and dissemination.
We hope you will enjoy being on board and can’t wait to see your unique evidence!
Further information
For further information, send us an email at citizen.science@qub.ac.uk