Food wrapped around a yellow tape.

A pocket size device that tells you exactly what is in your meal could spell relief for those with dietary issues

By on February 25, 2014

In this day and age, its pretty much a safe bet that you know at least one person (in some cases a handful of people) who has (have) some form of dietary issues or food allergies. Growing up the only food ‘allergy’ I was exposed to was a friend who had a seafood allergy. Food allergies were rather uncommon other than the typical peanut or shellfish allergy. Not sure what has happened over the years but now we are seeing an alarming rise in individuals who are suffering from Crohn’s, Celiac and other gastrointestinal diseases that irritate the individuals digestive track and can also suppress their immune system subjecting them to countless other health related problems.

For thousands of people out there, food allergies or intolerances go beyond the odd discomfort.  In its severe form, food allergies can be life threatening and for many it is. Unfortunately for those such individuals they have no choice but to dissect their meals to really understand what they are digesting as to not irritate their already delicate state. These individuals have to retrain their brain in order to have a different outlook on food and educate themselves on what it is their body needs but more importantly what food products they need to avoid. They also must learn how they will go about getting the nutrients that their body needs without jeopardizing their health that could potentially land them in the hospital.

A couple of weeks ago, I had dinner with some friends and when it came time to order, one of my friends who suffers from Crohn’s had to carefully select a meal that would not irritate or worsen her condition any further. It was easier for her to tell the wait staff the food items that she COULD eat as opposed to what she was allergic too. At first glance, when my friend’s meal came to the table everything looked alright but the ‘vegetables’ that came with her protein were not the one’s she had ordered…but they were ‘steamed and plain’ as she requested so what could be the matter?! Well it turns out that the vegetables in question would have posed a digestive problem and were deemed ‘illegal’ for her to consume due to her illness (luckily for my friend who went on the side of precaution decided to look up on her phone if she was allowed to consume that particular vegetable).

We are living in the age of high speed technology where we are mere seconds away to attaining valuable information done by pushing a few buttons here and there and voila!- Instant information at your finger tips. If it wasn’t for the luxury of the information highway known as the internet many people who suffer from dietary related diseases would continue to stay at home to eat, not ever risking going out to restaurants to enjoy a meal as the fear of potentially being sick would be too high. Factors to consider for them would be endless: Did the wait staff clearly understand my dietary restrictions? Will the message be conveyed to the chef properly? Will there be any cross contamination with my food with that in which I am allergic too? And the questions can go on and on…These questions are all valid and unfortunately for the person suffering from the allergy one variance or one careless mistake towards their food allergy can lead them to the hospital. And that is where TellSpec comes in. TellSpec is a hand held device that identifies allergens, chemicals, nutrients, calories, and ingredients in foods and in beverages.

TellSpec, the world’s first reliable and accurate handheld device that scans and analyzes the composition of food so consumers know the real ingredients before they buy or eat the food. TellSpec brings together laser spectroscopy and a unique mathematical algorithm in a revolutionary system that can analyze the chemical composition of any food. This system consists of a convenient handheld wireless scanner communicating with a fast cloud analysis engine. These work together to gather the spectrum of your food, analyze that spectrum, and display information about the food in an easy-to-understand interface on your smart phone…so you can intelligently decide if you want to buy or eat the food.

TellSpec is a hand held device that identifies allergens, chemicals,
nutrients, calories, and ingredients in foods and in beverages. 
TellSpec can track what you eat, and based on your reports of how you feel,
it can identify your food sensitivities
**For those unable to view the video on your mobile, here is the link to view the video which explains how TellSpec works (www.youtube.com/TellSpec)

With the growing number of people with food related allergies, one can only hope that companies like TellSpec will revolutionize they way people see food. That they can feel more at ease when they are out and about purchasing and ordering food. What was once deemed a product so far fetched and very futuristic is now feasible and can be part of our everyday routine.

Cheers to science and all its benefits!
FT

Those who know me know I'm weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada
 spoiled me with theirs!! 🍿 😋

Proudly Ontario-made and woman-owned, From Farm to Table Canada has debuted their limited-edition CNE Kettle Corn in collaboration with the Canadian National Exhibition @letsgototheex for the 2024 season.Their beautiful package illustrations captures the fun that we have, when at the CNE 🎢.

It's the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! 😍

They are available in two sizes: Family Bag and Grab & Go. Sold online as well as in retail chains and many independent stores.

This must-have snack for the summer is available until Labour Day. 

Get yours today and enjoy!!🍿🍿
A couple of evenings ago, I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa to witness Chef @antonyannick70 be awarded France's L'Ordre du mérite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada 😃

This distinction recognizes the contributions of Chef Yannick to promote French culture in Canada and Ottawa specifically - through his work as a chef and instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Ottawa. 

Special moments of the evening included Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet sharing with guests the numerous accomplishments that Chef Yannick Anton has accomplished over the years. Simply remarkable!!👏👏
A very touching and inspiring moment came when Chef Yannick Anton gave praise and gratitude to his mentors, who helped him attain his dream in the culinary industry. He also reminded the graduating class of chefs to always have a vision and to never let it go.👨‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳😍

And it wouldn't be a celebration without some tasty treats that exude French flare! They even had chocolate graduation hats - very cute and apropo 🎓🎓

Bravo Chef!!😊
Muy Caliente!!🔥🔥🌞🌞

With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!🤩😋

And let me tell you, a pitcher was made...as it's THAT delicious!!

At this rate, I will finally start to enjoy the summer heat...providing I have my 'special' lemonade!😉

Cheers!

#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
After a long day, a rich and tasty avocado, egg and bacon salad was the way to go!!🥑🥚🥓😍😋

And the pièce de résistance, triple-cream Brie with @artisinbakery baguette - the perfect match for such a meal. 

At this rate, indulgence should be my nickname 😉

#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #foodphotography #indulgence #longday #avocado #triplecream #baguette #frenchcuisine #enjoylife #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
Sophistication, opulent decor, and beautiful luxury desserts - this is @delyseesottawa 🍰🍮
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Read The Food Tease column in the Spring/Summer issue of @luxeottawamagazine on how Delysees's Creative Director, Fred Naggar, successfully left awe-inspiring footprints in the fashion world to embark on a new adventure with his wife - the world of high-end desserts.😋🍰😍
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Sweets for the sweets... Enjoy!
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#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #dessert #dessertsofinstagram #luxury #luxurydesserts #delysees #creativedirector #parisienne #frenchsweets #frenchdesserts #published #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca #tmac
Happy Easter, everyone!!🐣 🐰
Enjoying my family's Easter tradition of our colourful egg fight...I didn't win, but there's always next year 😉
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #easter #eastereggs #easterdecor #familytradition #annualtradition #europeanstyle #potofgold #familytime #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Friday night, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championships - Mystery Wine Challenge - People's Choice Award🥇🥇@greatkitchenparty
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Congratulations to all the chefs involved in this intense competition. The chefs needed to create a dish to pair with the mystery wine. Each chef was given a tricky budget of $550 for the 250 guests. I was witnessing creativity at its best!!😋
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The winning dish🥇 (centered in the middle of the photo) was created by JP Dublado: Red Deer Resort and Casino, Red Deer AB
Dish: beet & soy cured albacore tuna - ponzu gel - tomato water - puffed wild rice - beet green oil
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Amazing talent from all the chefs as they paired with the mystery wine (a 2021 Lailey Vineyard Zweigelt)🍷🍷
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#foodblogger ##foodgram #foodcompetition #travelblogger #CCC2024 #greatkitchenparty #peopleschoice #peopleschoiceawards #underpressure #foodandwine #underbudget #onbudget #culinarycompetition #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Planning for your BIG wedding day💍 and looking for something different than the traditional bachelorette party? 🎉🎉
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Then you need to read my solo Montreal getaway article featured in the latest issue of @ottawawedding magazine.
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Special thanks to @montreal for the beautiful experiences.
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Amongst the amazing activities:
● High Tea at the Ritz-Carlton 🍾🥂
● Pampering at the Scandinave Spa 💆🏼‍♀️and at Le Germain Hotel 
● Visiting the beautiful light show at the Botanical Gardens ⚘️✨️
● Culinary experiences at the Foxy restaurant and discovering local restaurants during a food tour😋😋
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Solo getaway or with a friend or two, any reason to visit and experience Montréal is a good one!! 😍🤗
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With its countless cultural activities and experiences, one can easily enjoy this beautiful city! And let's not forget their food scene... that alone is reason enough to visit!!😍😋
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I think it's time for you to discover, and for some, REDISCOVER Montreal! 🤩🤩
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#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelgram
#mtlmoments #mtl #mtlfoodies #published #presstrip #passportready
#alwaysexploring #travellikealocal #localbusiness #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #thefoodteasetravel #exploremontreal #touristattractions #solo #solotravel

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