Local MP visits allergen-free food factory ahead of Food Allergy Awareness Week
Last week, Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, visited Kirsty’s factory — a local business producing allergen-free ready meals. The visit came just ahead of Food Allergy Awareness Week, an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people living with allergies and highlight the often serious, and sometimes life-threatening, nature of allergic conditions.
Keen to understand more about the impact of food allergies and the role businesses can play in supporting those affected, Tom was eager to see first-hand how Kirsty’s factory operates.
Kirsty’s is the UK’s number one free-from ready meal brand, founded by Kirsty Henshaw after her son was diagnosed with severe food allergies. Recognising the lack of accessible allergen-free options, Kirsty set out to create nutritious meals that cater to a wide range of dietary needs.
During the visit, Tom was given a full tour of the factory, where he learned about the processes behind producing allergen-safe meals. The team shared insights into the business’s journey — including the immense challenges of purchasing and running the factory during the Covid-19 pandemic, all while navigating rising costs and supply chain issues.
The team also shared some of the challenges they’re currently facing, particularly around recruitment. The factory’s rural location outside Harrogate, combined with the lack of a nearby bus route, significantly limits who they’re able to employ. Tom is now working with Kirsty and the team to help address both of these issues.
The visit also highlighted Kirsty’s deep commitment to social responsibility. Through its partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing, Kirsty’s donates food which provides affordable groceries in areas facing high levels of food insecurity and poverty. The mobile food clubs take nutritious food to the heart of the communities that are starved of money, resources, and quality produce so that local families can do a low-cost weekly shop including fruit and vegetables, store cupboard essentials, and fridge favourites.
As well as being committed to social responsibility, Tom saw first-hand how the business was committed to staff development. Kirsty’s provides apprenticeships and promotes internal progression, with several team members rising from factory floor roles to management positions.
The discussion also touched on the issue of allergy poverty — the reality that allergy-friendly foods often come with a higher price tag. As Kirsty explained, this can lead some people to take risks with cheaper, unsuitable food options because the safer alternatives are unaffordable.
Overall, Tom thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Kirsty’s factory and is grateful to the team for taking the time to help broaden his understanding of allergies ahead of Food Allergy Awareness Week.
Commenting, Tom said:
‘Food allergies are such an important topic and area of concern for many of my constituents, and for communities across the UK.
‘Ahead of Food Allergy Awareness Week this week, it’s been great to visit the Kirsty’s factory and learn more about Kirsty’s experience as an allergy expert, local business owner and parent navigating the allergy space herself.
‘I came away so impressed by everything the business does — from providing healthy, allergen-free meals, to investing in their staff, and donating thousands of meals a year to those in need. I look forward to supporting Kirsty’s and the wider allergy community in any way I can.’
Kirsty’s Founder, Kirsty Henshaw added:
‘Having a food allergy — or multiple allergies — can be incredibly daunting, and it’s something more and more UK families are seeking support for.
‘I want to help people navigate the free-from space and feel excited about the options available. We’d welcome more conversations with the government to help us go even further.
‘It’s been wonderful to welcome our local MP to the Kirsty’s factory, which is 100% allergen free. Opening this factory was a long-held dream for me, and I’m proud to be able to show what we can do, especially as we approach Food Allergy Awareness Week next week.”
ENDS