Tom Kerridge Reflects on Food Allergies and Advocates for Allergy Awareness
Tom Kerridge discovered his food allergy in his twenties. While working in a kitchen, he took a lobster home, ate it, and became violently ill. He later identified similar reactions to langoustine and crab. Now, he has an allergy to molluscs and crustacea.
Despite this allergy, Kerridge’s career is not affected. His restaurants often feature seafood, especially at The Hand and Flowers pub, which holds two Michelin stars. The only challenge arises during television judging, where he receives different dishes from other judges, sparking debate on social media.
Kerridge supports The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (Narf), which addresses food allergies and strives to improve awareness. He acknowledges that over two million people in the UK have diagnosed food allergies, and annual hospital admissions due to such allergies have doubled.
Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who died from an allergic reaction to sesame seeds, inspired “Natasha’s Law.” This law mandates clear labeling on pre-packaged food.
Kerridge emphasizes the importance of allergy awareness in restaurants. He mentions that many establishments now mark allergens on menus and adapt dishes for dietary restrictions. At The Hand and Flowers, he provides alternate menus with notice.
Kerridge believes that professional kitchens prioritize cleanliness and separate ingredients to prevent cross-contamination. He aims to improve the perception of careers in hospitality, turning it into a respected profession.
Despite challenges in the industry, such as rising costs and competition, Kerridge remains positive about food quality. He encourages people to understand the value in higher food prices.
He asserts, “Good things cost money. The real question is, why is food so cheap?”
In a quickfire round of preferences, Kerridge chooses:
- MasterChef over Bake Off
- Panettone over Christmas pudding, although he appreciates both
- I’m a Celebrity over Strictly
- The Bear over Boiling Point
- Turkey for Christmas, especially on Boxing Day
- Pub lunch with Michelin-star quality
- Takeaway over ready meals
Kerridge was born on July 27, 1973. He educated at Saintbridge secondary school in Gloucester. He started cooking in a hotel at 18 and opened The Hand and Flowers with his wife in 2005. It won two Michelin stars, making it the first pub with such recognition. Kerridge has authored several cookbooks and appears on the BBC’s Great British Menu.
He lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, sculptor Beth Cullen-Kerridge, and their son.
Readers can support The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation by donating, as all contributions will be matched by Morrisons.