Restaurants Canada and EpiPen® partner to offer new tools to help members support guests living with serious food allergies

TORONTO, March 25, 2014 /CNW/ - Restaurants Canada is pleased to announce new resources available to foodservice operators to help them as they welcome guests living with food allergies.  Restaurants Canada members can now go online to EpiPenKits.ca to purchase an EpiPen Emergency kit for use in their establishment. The kit, which can hold up to four (4) EpiPen Auto-Injectors, also includes emergency treatment information for anaphylactic reactions, a poster, and storage instructions.

For a limited time, through a partnership with the Canadian distributor of EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto‐Injectors, Restaurants Canada members can use a special promotional code to receive the wall unit for free when they purchase at least one EpiPen® Auto-Injector online. This new resource is in addition to the Food Allergies: A Guide for Restaurants, posters and checklists already developed through the partnership. Interested foodservice companies can contact a Restaurants Canada Member Services Representative at [email protected] for more information on ordering the kit for their establishment.

"Our members take food allergies seriously," says Garth Whyte, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. "They are looking for more information and resources to help them to safely serve customers with allergies, and this program is a significant new resource."

The additional resources were developed in response to demand from restaurant operators.  According to Restaurants Canada's 2014 Chef Survey, gluten-free/food allergy conscious cooking is the #1 Hot Trend in Canadian restaurants.  Additionally, a recent survey of Restaurants Canada members found that 40% of respondents have taken increased measures to address food allergies at their restaurant over the last year.  The new tools will help restaurant operators reduce risks and better assist customers with serious allergic reactions.

Food allergy is a growing concern with one in two Canadians knowing someone with a serious food allergy.   Since there is no way to predict the severity of a reaction and because reactions can progress rapidly, every second counts.  As with any medical condition, restaurant customers with serious food allergies should take proper precautions and follow their doctor's recommendations which include carrying an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times.  

"Allergen avoidance and carrying EpiPen^® Auto-Injectors at all times are critical for people living with food allergies," said Allen Van Der Wee, General Manager, Global Established Products Business Unit at Pfizer Canada Inc. "However, with a growing number of individuals at risk of anaphylaxis, we are very pleased to make these EpiPen® kits available to help raise awareness of food allergies and provide support for Canadians living with severe allergies."

Restaurants can find more information at www.restaurantscanada.org

About the EpiPen kit for restaurants
The kit, available for purchase at www.EpiPenKits.ca, includes a window decal that indicates EpiPen® is on premises, a poster on severe allergic reactions and EpiPen® dosing and administration information. The kit is also designed to hold up to four EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors (which can be purchased without a prescription at EpiPenKits.ca).

About Restaurants Canada
Restaurants Canada, formerly the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, is a national association comprising 30,000 businesses in every segment of the foodservice industry, including restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions and their suppliers.  Through advocacy, research, and member programs and services, Restaurants Canada is dedicated to helping its members in every community grow and prosper. 

About Pfizer
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. The company is one of the largest contributors to health research in Canada. Pfizer's diversified health care portfolio includes biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines for humans, and many of the world's best‐known consumer products. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit www.pfizer.ca or you can follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/PfizerCA) or Facebook (facebook.com/Pfizer.Canada)

Important Safety Information:
EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto‐Injectors are indicated for the emergency treatment of anaphylactic reactions in patients who are determined by a physician to be at increased risk of anaphylaxis. EpiPen® (epinephrine) Auto‐Injectors are designed as emergency supportive therapy only. After administration, patients should seek medical attention immediately or go to the emergency room. This product may not be right for you, always read and follow the label. For details on EpiPen®, or educational and product safety information, please visit www.EpiPen.ca.

SOURCE: Restaurants Canada

Media Contact: Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, 1-800-387-5649 ext. 4254 or [email protected]