This eGroup has been set up to discuss the problem of onion allergy.

Many people who hate onions don't actually realise that they have an allergy to them. Stomach cramps, nausea and fainting are the most common symptoms. This group will hopefully be a brainstorming area where Onion Allergics can discuss issues about this problem, with the final aim of creating between us a website about the allergy that will give it the exposure it deserves.

Are you not fed up with restaurants that put "only a little" onion in a dish when you've told them expressly that you're allergic? Are you not tired of being unable to find decent ready-made meals that are onion free? Together we can do something about this, perhaps even set up the first ever International Association for Onion Allergics.

The website could have suggestions of restaurants that are particularly good at leaving out onions when asked; recommended makes of a certain ready-made meal, sauce or other product that are onion-free; recipe suggestions for alternatives when onions are called for....

Our website will give this allergy more exposure, and perhaps someone one day will be inspired to carry out major research on this issue. Menus these days tend to explain clearly which dishes contain nuts. Perhaps one day Onion Allergics will be taken seriously too. It's about time!

Feel free to join, post and brainstorm!

TRISTÁN WHITE