NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair is asking people to splash some colour on a nail this week to help improve awareness around food allergies and the risk they pose.

Mr Blair said a key component to reducing risk is making people allergy aware - one way of doing this is to paint a nail to represent the one in ten babies born in Australia with a food allergy.

"That statistic alone shows how important this issue is for the entire community, allergy awareness is everyone’s responsibility.

"Some food allergies can range from being merely unpleasant and inconvenient but sadly in the worst cases they can be fatal.

"More than half a million Australians manage the difficulties that come with a food allergy every day.

"Keep an eye out for a splash of colour on people’s fingernails this week – it’s a simple way to help raise awareness and support people with a food allergy right across our State."

The NSW Food Authority is the key front line agency and plays a vital role in educating both industry and consumers when it comes to food allergies.

In NSW, all food businesses are required to provide information about the most common allergens, gluten and sulphites through correct labelling and information.

Food Allergy Week 2017 runs from 14-20 May. People can access information and resources from www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au.