In a survey commissioned by the Food and Drink Innovation Network for their FreeFrom Summit, YouGov interviewed 1,600 representative adults across the UK.
The research found that the incidence to food allergy and intolerance has now increased to affect nearly a third of UK households, while 22% of people actually report that they suffer from a food allergy or intolerance – which equates to one in five people.
It was found that double the number of women than men suffer from an allergy or intolerance with dairy products and gluten being the most likely causes.
The incidence of food allergy and intolerance was found to be higher in the south of England than around the rest of the UK with the spread across the classes falling fairly evenly.
YouGov will be presenting the results of its work at the FreeFrom Summit taking place next week in London.
On 13 December, all food service outlets will be required by law to provide accurate details of any of the 14 major allergens that may appear in their food or risk an unlimited fine and prosecution.