Special Diets Made Simple

UK (SANEPR.com) May 19, 2008 -- The Food Standards Agency (FSA) estimates that currently as many as 30% of the UK population believe they are intolerant or allergic to one or more foods, with dairy products attributed as the most commonly avoided food types.

Dairy (17%) was closely followed by products containing nuts (14%), and gluten (13%), while as many 11% of Britons avoid particular fruits, and look to eliminate caffeine (9%), sugar (9%), fish (8%), eggs (7%), and spicy foods (5%) from their diet.

Whilst only 57% had the condition formally diagnosed, allergies are recognised as on the rise in Britain, and unfortunately labelling laws are often inadequate at protecting those who may be harmed by ingredients in prepared foods. The term “free-from” is not legally defined, so shopping can often be a confusing or miserable experience for those with specific dietary requirements.

One organisation not shying away from shouting about their ingredients is Wiltshire Farm Foods, the leader supplier of frozen ready meals. At headquarters in Wiltshire an experienced team of chefs create each recipe, with every meal frozen immediately after production, locking in their vitamins and goodness.

At every step an expert team monitors the nutritional content of every product, conducting daily tests and working alongside top dietitians to ensure they’re healthy, address dietary requirements and ultimately taste great.
Sue Baic, consultant dietitian for the brand explains how: “We make sure each dish is nutritionally balanced and satisfies a wide range of dietary needs. For example, we provide special products for people with diabetes, those needing low-salt, low-fat diets, vegetarian and vegan, and people seeking milk, egg and gluten-free products. We also offer Kosher and ethnic dishes, so whatever your requirement, Wiltshire Farm Foods has the meal to match.”
The Wiltshire Farm Foods Special Diet Guide is an authority for any customer with dietary requirements, offering information, advice and detailed nutritional information on every Wiltshire Farm Foods product. With a comprehensive contents guide and easy-to-use colour-coded symbols you can determine at a glance if your chosen meal is suitable for you.

Sue comments: “Nothing in our meals is hidden or omitted – everything from weight of meat or fish to calories, salt and potassium content is observed and each year we produce an updated guide for our customers with particular dietary requirements. This innovative booklet is a source of sound advice on what to consider when following a variety of special diets or finding meals suitable for those with food intolerances."

Total transparency is a refreshing concept amongst food manufacturers, and in an even bigger step forward Wiltshire Farm Foods have unveiled a high detail Dietary Search function on their website. Using a simple tick box and exclusion technique, you can filter their products to your personal preferences.

Search by dietary suitability, like gluten-free or moderate salt, "free-from" ingredients, and even relevant nutritional values - for example if you are controlling the amount of potassium or fat in your diet. However it’s not exclusively for those with medical requirements and allergies, you can also exclude any ingredient not to your taste preference, like the oft maligned sprout!

The function allows you to craft a personalised menu, automatically saved and available to recall at the touch of a button. You can even forward via email to a friend, relative, or client, who may be pleasantly surprised by the sheer choice they are afforded despite dietary limitations.
Give it a go - access the search at https://www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com/search_diet.asp, and make your special diet simple.

Wiltshire Farm Foods is the leading supplier of nutritious, frozen home ready meals throughout the UK. If you'd like more information about this topic please call Jenene Blackmore on 01225 756081 or e-mail Jenene.Blackmore@apetito.co.uk