Each year in Australia, Food Allergy Week shines a spotlight on the growing number of people living with food allergies and the daily challenges they face. Led by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, the week raises awareness, shares education, and encourages conversations that make communities safer and more inclusive for people managing food allergies.
For many Australians, food allergies aren’t just an inconvenience — they’re a serious health condition that requires constant awareness and care.
Food Allergies Are More Common Than Many People Realise
Australia has one of the highest rates of food allergy in the world. Current research suggests that:
- Around 1 in 10 infants develop a food allergy
- Approximately 2 million Australians are living with food allergies
- Food-induced Anaphylaxis, the most severe allergic reaction, is increasing in Australia
- More families than ever are navigating ingredient lists, cross-contamination risks and safe food choices
For those living with allergies, every meal involves careful thought. Something as simple as grabbing a snack or sharing food at a party can require planning and caution.
That’s why awareness weeks like Food Allergy Week play such an important role — they help build understanding across the wider community.
At OMG! Decadent Donuts – This Issue Is Personal
At OMG! Decadent Donuts, food allergies aren’t just something we talk about — they are something many of us live with.
Across our business network:
- 2 of our Directors
- 3 members of our HQ team
- and around 75% of our 80+ OMG! business owners
are either allergic, anaphylactic, or intolerant to certain foods.
So when we say we understand, we truly mean it.
Just this last Christmas Day, the baby of one of our team was rushed to hospital with an anaphylactic reaction to a previously unknown allergy to egg which caused the baby to stop breathing. Allergy and anaphylactic reactions are quite simply terrifying.
Many of our business owners began their journey with OMG! because they, their children, or someone close to them struggled to find safe treats they could enjoy. Living with food allergies often means being the person who misses out at celebrations, school events, or social gatherings.
That shared experience has shaped the culture of our entire business.
Creating Treats Everyone Can Enjoy
From the beginning, OMG! Decadent Donuts was built around a simple but powerful idea: inclusivity – because everyone deserves to enjoy a treat together.
That’s why our donuts are made to be:
- Certified gluten free
- Plant-based
- Free from gluten, dairy, eggs, wheat, yeast, nuts and sulphites
- Made without artificial colours or flavours
Our donuts are also Coeliac Australia endorsed and accredited and certified Vegan, Halal and Kosher, providing reassurance to customers with dietary needs or restrictions.
For many customers, this means something incredibly simple but meaningful — being able to confidently say “Yes, I can have one.”
Food Allergy Awareness Benefits Everyone
Food Allergy Week reminds us that awareness benefits not just those living with allergies, but the entire community.
Greater awareness encourages:
- Safer food handling practices
- Better ingredient transparency
- More inclusive menus and food options
- Greater empathy for people managing allergies
And perhaps most importantly, it helps ensure that no one has to feel left out when food is shared.
A Sweet Reminder
Food is often at the heart of connection — birthdays, festivals, markets, school events and family gatherings.
At OMG! Decadent Donuts, we’re proud that our business has grown into a network of more than 80 independently owned businesses across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, all sharing the same goal: creating treats that everyone can enjoy together.
During Food Allergy Week, we’re reminded again why that mission matters.
Because when it comes to food allergies, inclusion isn’t just thoughtful — it can be life-changing. 💗
