Allergy UK, British Allergy Foundation and Allergy Research Limited
What is Allergy UK?
Allergy UK is a non-government funded, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing patient information and support to those with allergies. Find out more here.
What is the British Allergy Foundation?
The British Allergy Foundation is the formal charity name under which Allergy UK operates. Find out more here.
What is Allergy Research Limited?
Allergy Research Limited is the trading company associated with the British Allergy Foundation, operating under the name Allergy UK. It handles commercial activities related to endorsements and partnerships. Find out more here.
How are Allergy UK, British Allergy Foundation and Allergy Research Limited linked?
Allergy UK is the operational name used by the British Allergy Foundation, which is the charity’s official name. Allergy Research Limited is the trading company of the British Allergy Foundation, managing the commercial aspects such as the Seal of Approval endorsement. Together, they work towards supporting and improving the lives of people affected by allergy through various initiatives and partnerships. Find out more here.
What is the purpose of Allergy UK?
What does Allergy Research Limited do with the money it raises?
The money raised by Allergy Research Limited is donated to Allergy UK and used to fund new and ongoing initiatives which support the allergic community and help the charity achieve its mission and vision. Find out more here.
Product endorsements
What is the Seal of Approval?
The Allergy UK Seal of Approval is an endorsement of a product that can be scientifically proven to reduce, or remove an indicated allergen from the environment, or has significantly reduced allergen content.
What is the Allergy Friendly Product Award?
The Allergy UK Allergy Friendly Product Award is an endorsement of a product that is ‘unlikely or less likely to cause a reaction’ and ‘may be of benefit’ when used by someone affected by allergy. These products are assessed based on their formulation and benefit.
What is the difference between Seal of Approval and Allergy Friendly Product Award?
The key difference is the testing. Testing for the Seal of Approval award is scientific testing that is undertaken by independent clinics to prove that the product can reduce or remove an allergen from the environment. Products with the Allergy Friendly Product Award have undergone assessment based on their formulation and benefit. Find out more about our testing here [link to ‘The science’]
What does having the Seal of Approval or Allergy Friendly Product Award mean for my product?
It provides credibility and reassurance to the public. The Seal of Approval indicates that the product helps reduce exposure to allergens, whilst the Allergy Friendly Product Award indicates that a product is less likely to cause a reaction or may be of benefit to someone with allergy.
How can I use product endorsements on my marketing material?
The Seal of Approval and Allergy Friendly Product Award logos can be used across all marketing materials and product packaging. Allergy UK provides a high-resolution logo and brand guidelines for their use and related claims.
Are there other benefits of holding a product endorsement licence?
Yes, you will receive a dedicated product page on our website and opportunities to become an Allergy UK corporate partner. Find out more about corporate partner opportunities here.
Application and testing
How do I apply?
To begin your application, you will need to complete an enquiry form. Once this is received and reviewed by the Allergy UK Endorsements team, they will be in touch to arrange a meeting to discuss your product and the application process. Find out more here.
How long does the application process take?
Typically, the process takes between 16 and 18 weeksfrom the confirmed start of testing. Find out more here.
Is testing required?
For those seeking a Seal of Approval award, yes testing is required. This can be done as part of the application at an additional cost, or you can arrange your own independent testing and provide us with the report. This will be covered in our initial discussions. Find out more about our testing here.
Can we use our own in-house laboratory testing for review?
No, all testing must be independent to ensure consumer confidence in our endorsement.
What happens if the product fails the testing?
Allergy UK will work with you to find solutions, which may include advice on improving your product to meet the required standards.
If we are successful, what happens next?
You will receive a scientific review report and, if successful, a licence agreement for signature. The Seal of Approval certificate, logo and brand guidelines will be provided after the signed agreement is returned.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary depending on the product type and the allergens to be tested. Allergy UK will provide a bespoke quotation after evaluating your product. Find out more here.
How can we pay?
Payment can be made by bank transfer (BACS).
Does Allergy UK only endorse products sold and manufactured in the UK?
No. Our awards are globally recognised and used in over 130 countries.
Are the Seal of Approval and Allergy Friendly Product Awards valid for the lifetime of the product?
Both of these endorsement awards are valid as long as the product remains under licence and unmodified. The licence agreement is renewable annually at a cost.
What if I improve my product, will we have to pay for another licence?
You may need to pay for a retest depending on the changes. If the changes affect the product’s mechanics or fabrication, a new application would be required.
Corporate partners
What is a corporate partner?
Allergy UK works with commercial organisations who share a common interest in improving the lives for people affected by allergy. We call this collaboration a corporate partnership. There are many ways in which we work with corporate partners, including funding of strategic initiatives, pro-bono or collaborating on a project.Find out more here.
How do I become a corporate partner?
Get in touch by completing our enquiry form. Once received, we will contact you to arrange an initial meeting to discuss your company’s goals, our charities mission and the ways that we could work together. Find out more here.
Who is eligible for partnership?
We collaborate with a wide range of companies from various sectors. However, some brands may need to be endorsed before becoming partners. Find out more about endorsement requirements here.
How much does it cost to become a corporate partner?
Costs vary as every package is created bespoke for the corporate partner. If you have a budget in mind, we can tailor the package to match your budget. Find out more here.
What if my organisation doesn’t meet the criteria
There are many other ways you can support, such as fundraising, pro-bono or volunteering. Fill in our enquiry form and one of the team will be in touch to discuss options.
What will our financial contribution be used for?
Your financial support is vital in helping to advance Allergy UK’s mission for the UK to take allergy seriously. Visit ‘Our Work’ to see how your contributions could make a difference.
Can I speak to someone to discuss how we can work together?
Yes, we would love to speak with you to discuss opportunities we can work together. Fill in our enquiry form and one of our team will be in touch. Find out more here.