“Can organic food help reduce food allergic reactions in children?”

Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre (HKORC) of the Hong Kong Baptist University held at the campus today the survey result announcement of “Can organic food help reduce food allergic reactions in children?”cum Organic Day 2014 press conference. The event revealed results of the centre’s latest survey as well as announced the kick-start of the annual event, namely Organic Day! HKORC has been devoting itself over the years to the sustainable development of organic agriculture and aquaculture in Hong Kong, with the mission to enhance the public awareness of organic production and certification, ensuring safe and quality organic food supply in Hong Kong, thus creating an eco-balanced living environment for our next generation.

Over 20% of Kids Have Allergies

The problem of food allergy among our kids haunts the young parents. In other countries, there are even fatal cases of food allergy. HKORC conducted a survey addressing the question “Can organic food help reduce food allergic reactions in children?” earlier this year. A total of 618 respondents who lives with at least one kid aged 12 or below were interviewed about their kids’ diet and their consumption of organic produce. According to the survey, 20% of the children suffer from different levels of allergy, in which 51.1% are allergic to certain kind of food intake, showing that allergy is closely related to diet. For kids who have allergy, 63% of their parents purchase organic produce, hoping that natural food without being chemically polluted or genetically modified and without any additives or chemical pesticides can prevent their kids from having allergy.

Organic Diet Can Ease Allergy

Among the 618 respondents, 67.1% opined that allergy is related to diet. Another 54.5% thought that organic diet can ease the symptoms of allergy. This reveals that organic diet is considered as a healthy lifestyle, which can mitigate allergy.

87% of Kids Start Living “Organic” Before Four

Among the respondents, 62% have bought organic produce for their children. In general, 86.9% of children started consuming organics before the age of 4. This shows that parents start reaching out for healthy organic food when their kids are still young. Since organic food does not contain pesticides, chemical fertilizer, additives, preservatives and artificial colourings, and that every step in the organic farming procedure is strictly monitored, organic produce become more and more popular among parents who are cautious about what their kids eat.

Unpolluted, Non-allergy

Organic produce has always been highly acclaimed because of its benefits to health and to the environment.70.6% of the respondents agreed that organic produce are not polluted by chemical pesticides; 64.1% opined it’s good for health; 42.6% agreed it can reduce the occurrence of illness; 35.8% agreed organic food would not cause allergy, is more nutritious, and can encourage children to care for the environment at a young age. 72.9% of parents who purchase organic produce said they will continue to let their kids have organic food in their diet; while8.4% of them will increase their purchase. In other words, 81.3% of parents will continue to buy organic food for their kids, revealing a prevailing support from families in the organic market, which is favourable to the development of organic kids’ food.

On the whole, 67.1% opined that allergy is related to diet, leading to 62% parent-consumers who will not put their kids under the risk of pesticides and chemical pollution. Although there is no literature indicating the efficacy of organic food in easing allergy, it is undeniable that organic food reduces the chance of being in touch with pesticides, does not contain genetically modified ingredients, additives, colourings and chemicals. For those who are allergic to chemical substances, organic food is for sure their best choice. Professor Jonathan Wong MH, Director of HKORC, announced the above survey results at the press conference today, and further explained how organic food can reduce allergic reactions, or even lower the chances of having allergies in the future.

81.3% of parents said they will continue to provide their kids with organic produce, or even in larger quantity. This shows the growing importance and popularity of organic produce, especially for those with better reputation. Since there is not yet any legislation regulating organic products, well-known and widely recognised “organic labels” are crucial for the public in identifying genuine organic produce.

Doctor and Patient Sharing

A family is invited to the press conference to share their experience: Mrs Ngan’s 5-year-old son has severe eczema. They have been in search for a long time the right medication, until the son was diagnosed to have food allergy. One year ago, Dr Sophie Leung Suk-fong suggested little Ngan to switch to natural organic cereal, and skip milk and eggs. Now the eczema has almost gone and health returns.

Organic Day 2014

Aside from, one of the greatest carnivals of the year, Organic Day 2014, will be held on Sunday March 9 at Charter Garden, Central. Not-to-be-missed programmes include: