Food allergies are rising. Leicestershire mum wants to change how we live with them

A Leicestershire-based app creator is calling for greater awareness and support for people living with food allergies after speaking on BBC Radio Leicester about the daily challenges faced by millions across the UK.

Sophia Turner, founder of Safe Appetite (SAPHE), appeared on BBC Radio Leicester following the announcement that Natasha's Foundation has launched a £10 million investment into research aimed at preventing food allergies before they develop.

Food allergies affect around three million people in the UK, with numbers continuing to rise. For Sophia, the issue is deeply personal.

"I felt completely hopeless trying to eat out safely, shop safely and understand what was in the food I was eating," she explained during the interview.

Diagnosed with allergies as an adult, Sophia found herself navigating a world that often feels inaccessible and overwhelming for allergy sufferers.

"When you're diagnosed, you're often given EpiPens and then expected to get on with life. The reality is that allergies affect every aspect of your day. You have to be vigilant all the time."

The emotional impact of living with allergies is something Sophia believes is often overlooked.

"When you're at home, you're in control. When you're out and about, you're putting your trust in other people. You never fully switch off because the consequences of getting it wrong can be incredibly serious."

Determined to find a solution, Sophia created Safe Appetite (SAPHE), a free mobile app designed to help people identify potentially dangerous ingredients before purchasing food products.

Unlike many existing allergy tools, the app allows users to create a personalised allergy profile, including allergens beyond the fourteen recognised major allergens.

Users simply scan a product and the app alerts them if ingredients they are allergic to are present.

"What we realised is that if you're allergic to something that isn't on the main allergen list, support can be very limited," Sophia said. "The app allows people to add anything they're allergic to and receive an alert before buying a product."

The launch comes at a time when allergy awareness is receiving increased national attention. The death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse led to changes in food labelling legislation and continues to drive conversations around food safety.

Sophia believes there is still more work to be done.

"Everyone should be able to eat safely without fear. While research into preventing allergies is incredibly important, we also need better communication, better awareness and better education right now."

The Leicestershire-based app creator hopes her technology can provide an additional layer of reassurance for families living with allergies while helping people feel more confident and independent.

Safe Appetite is available to download free from the App Store and is designed to support anyone managing food allergies, intolerances or dietary restrictions.

For more information, visit Safe Appetite or search for Safe Appetite in your app store.