Research has revealed that one in five people are now affected by a food allergy or intolerance.

A study by YouGov interviewed 1,600 representative adults, and will present its full findings at the FreeFrom summit in London next month. This comes as new allergen regulations are set to be introduced as of December this year.

The study also found that almost double the number of women suffered from a food intolerance compared to men.

The FreeFrom summit will discuss the growth of the FreeFrom food industry over the past five years. It will also outline the effect the allergen regulations may have on the food service industry, including those in the bakery sector.

As from December 2014 all foodservice outlets must be able to give accurate details of any of the 14 major allergens in their food, including gluten, to any customer who asks.

Speakers at the summit include Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, founder of Genius gluten-free bread, as well as Sarah Sleet, CEO of Coeliac UK.

The event will take place on 10 and 11 September.