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This research project aims to assess the level of non-occupational allergy to four common storage mites in a large population with a family history of allergy.
<p>This three-year project aims to assess the level of non-occupational allergy to four common storage mites in a large population of people with a family history of allergy.
<p>The study will also examine the cross-reactivity between storage mites and house dust mites. Another aim of this study is to determine whether consumption of high levels of storage mites influences the subsequent development of allergy to storage mites.
Occupational allergy in workers involved in grain handling and associated industries is often caused by storage mite allergens. More recently non-occupational sensitisation to storage mites has been reported via ingestion of mites in flour and other foodstuffs containing flour.
<p>Sensitisation of this type can cause severe anaphylactic responses in individuals and may explain some cases of unknown food allergy. This needs investigation.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.