David Curley has battled an allergy to dairy products his whole life.
Mr Curley, from Winmalee west of Sydney, says it could kill him if things go badly wrong.
The swelling of the lips and tongue is followed by the airways closing up.
Anaphylaxis can come on within 15 minutes of contact with an allergen.
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia's Maria Said (sayd)explains.
The National Allergy Strategy has launched a free, online food-allergy training program for people working in the food-services industry.
It comes in response to an alarming rise in episodes of anaphylaxis.
Hospital admissions for food-induced episodes have increased fivefold over the past 20 years.
Cross-contamination is a major culprit, and chef Alex Herbert offers simple advice on how to limit that risk.
Deaths from food-induced anaphylaxis are increasing at a rate of about 10 per cent every year.
University of Western Australia associate professor Richard Loh says there seem to be particular concerns for people of some ethnic backgrounds.
Mr Curley says he hopes the allergy training program is the first step to an industry-wide standard on food-allergy education.
