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For allergy sufferers, shopping for relief products can be daunting. With countless options promising to reduce allergens or ease symptoms, it’s hard to know what will truly make a difference — and even harder to avoid products that might cause reactions.
Each year, South Africans spend millions of rands on products designed to help manage asthma and other allergic disorders. From over-the-counter medications and creams to vacuum cleaners, air purifiers and bedding; these products are marketed as essential tools for reducing or effectively treating allergic symptoms. Unfortunately, many products make false claims about their effectiveness or benefit, promising anything from allergen reduction to improved health, without scientific proof to back them up.
The Allergy Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) is here to help, with their AFSA Seal of Approval serving as a trusted guide for consumers. This seal ensures that products claiming to be allergy-friendly meet rigorous standards, giving allergy sufferers confidence that their chosen items will be safe and effective.
Professor Mike Levin, CEO of the Allergy Foundation of South Africa (AFSA), explains: “Consumers are often left vulnerable to exaggerated or false claims in an unregulated market. Our goal is to help them make informed choices by ensuring that the products they buy have been rigorously tested and conform to strict scientific criteria for their quality.”
The creation of the AFSA seal of approval
The AFSA Seal of Approval Programme was launched in 2017 to help patients. “We recognised the need for a trusted certification that consumers could rely on,” says Professor Levin. “The Seal of Approval ensures that products marketed to allergy sufferers truly meet the standards required to reduce environmental allergens or contain fewer irritant or allergy-triggering substances.”
The AFSA Seal of Approval is awarded to products that have been scientifically proven to meet stringent criteria. These products either demonstrate reduced allergen content,
and chemical safety or have verifiable proof of efficacy in reducing environmental allergens. In some cases, AFSA performs its own testing to ensure that the product’s claims are valid.
“When a product bears the AFSA Seal of Approval, it means that it has been rigorously evaluated and found to be suitable for people with asthma or allergies,” Professor Levin emphasises.
Why the seal of approval matters
South Africa is home to more than 19 million people living with asthma and allergies. For these individuals, purchasing the right product can make a significant difference in their quality of life. Products carrying the AFSA Seal of Approval provide peace of mind for consumers, allowing them to purchase with confidence.
“The market is filled with products claiming to help allergy sufferers,” says Professor Levin. “But without proper testing and validation, it’s hard for consumers to know what really works. Our Seal of Approval removes the guesswork, ensuring that the product they choose is genuinely beneficial.”
What types of products qualify?
The AFSA Seal of Approval applies to a wide variety of products. These include:
- Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters that trap allergens.
- Air purifiers and dehumidifiers are proven to reduce airborne particles.
- Bedding designed to minimise dust mite exposure.
- Emollients, body care products and nasal sprays that are safe and gentle for sensitive skin and respiratory systems.
- Cleaning products that are free of irritants or harsh chemicals.
In addition to these commonly used items, other products like bed cleaners, carpet cleaners, flooring, infant care products, laundry appliances, mattresses, paints and varnishes, and personal care items are eligible for certification. “We evaluate a broad range of products because allergens can be found in every part of daily life,” explains Professor Levin.
How the certification process works
For a product to receive the AFSA Seal of Approval, it must undergo a thorough evaluation process. Manufacturers must submit verifiable scientific proof of the product’s efficacy in reducing allergens or chemical safety. If such evidence is unavailable, AFSA conducts its own testing to ensure the product meets its rigorous standards. Once approved, the product is awarded the AFSA Seal, signalling to consumers that it has been verified as suitable for those with asthma and allergies.
“The testing process is meticulous because we understand how important it is for people to trust the products they are using in their homes,” Professor Levin notes. “The AFSA Seal of Approval ensures that these products are effective and safe.”
A Trusted Guide for Consumers
As allergic disorders continue to rise globally, it is more important than ever for consumers to have access to reliable, scientifically-backed products that can help alleviate symptoms. The AFSA Seal of Approval empowers consumers to make informed decisions and trust that the products they purchase will contribute to a healthier, allergen-reduced environment.
