I am shocked at the ignorance of the Clown from Denmark and the GP, Neil Tallent from Christchurch who obviously is not aware of latex allergy. This is a serious and life threatening allergy and it has nothing to do with political correctness or "nanny state". Some of you need to educate yourselves. Many health workers have had to leave their profession because of this terrible allergy. I only have to step into a room with balloons and become extremely unwell. Some of you need to RE-EDUCATE yourselves. By the way, nuts sold in shops are normally sealed in a bag but balloons hanging around in a shop or being blown up by a Clown do affect people. Natural rubber latex (NRL) which is contained in balloons is a known sensitiser and is recognised as such by the Health and Safety Executive. This allergy will become more and more prevalent as there is so much rubber in products these days. Until you suffer from this debilitating allergy.

Karen Harper, Basingstoke, Hants

are you sure it isnt just a publicity stunt? Why mention what other skills this entertainer has? Why not explain anaphylactic shock, how to recognise and treat it? No mention of what exactly happened to the little boy. Hmm smells as fishy as Tescos "fresh" meat.

amanda, brighton, uk

How utterly rediculous of me, how inconvientent to have an anaphalactic shock if I come into contact or go into a room with nrl proteins in the air. Natural rubber latex allergies (Nrl) are very serious and there is not enough awareness of this condition. I can have a reaction just form wearing socks. If anyone is interested in this condition they can go to the lasg website. www.lasg.co.uk.

Well done tescos.

Mel, Hinckley,

So when do Tescos or the like stop selling NUTS...

Approximately 6% of people are allergic to NUTS & 1% of people are allergic to latex.

All seems a litlle too ridiculous!

Claire, Diss, UK

Is it true that latex balloons can trigger an allergic reaction in some children?
I have entertained throughout Europe for the last 27 years, including balloons in my act and have never heard or seen of any such side effect.
Are there any cases documented?

concerned, Clown Jo Jo, Denmark.

ps. can I sue anyone. (maybe the balloons are the reason I feel a bit funny sometimes)

Jo Jo , Svendborg, Denmark

So, have Tesco stopped selling balloons? It seems a little unfair to stop someone using something they themselves sell.

Cally, Southampton,

Kudos to Tesco

Nancy , Wayland,

It is sad that in today's society we are being made aware of too many problems that might occur and not being able to entertain. I recently did an event at a shopping center and had to supply a method statement and risk assessment before I could try and enjoy myself and hopefully make someone happy. However the tighter the belts are becoming the harder it is. But in all this palaver ther seems to be no room or comeback for the entertainer if he or she should be kicked off the stilts or sworn at, it seems to be a one way road and we are making a society that will be frigtened to even communicate, is we are not careful.

Gordon Sharpe (Rainbow the clown) Chairman of Clowns International., Watford, Herts

I think Tesco and all the big companies should stop worrying about being sued and political correctness. This country has gone stark raving bonkers over things as petty as this

stuart barber, herts, UK

Hmmmmm...very interesting. While a latex allergy can cause a serious even fatal reaction its rare, even more rare than peanuts. Have Tesco removed those from their shelves along with shellfish, kiwi fruit etc etc...thought not. So an entertainer has his show disrupted in case a child with an allergy happens along but Tesco put profit first when it comes to themselves. How gallant!

POD, Midlands,

Could Roger Tilbury tell us which government department is in charge of Tesco's, or which minister ordered this latex ban? What will he blame the government for next? The Black Death?

Roy Le Gete, Narbonne, France

It looks as though "Health and Safety" has been taken over by the companies lawyers. I have been a GP for 20years and never seen latex allergy in a child. Have Tesco stopped selling babies dummies or bottle teets? Can they cite any reputable research into the actual risks or are they just looking into the "What might happen crystal ball?" Unfortunately Tesco's reaction is symptomatic of an increasingly rediculous litigation industry rather than any belief in real safety issues.

Neil Tallant, Christchurch, uk

Absolutely, plus the fact that latex is used for medical examination gloves as used in hopitals. How ridiculous.

david crofts, reading, berkshire

How utterly ridiculous and how utterly typical of our nanny-state-let's-make-sure-I-can't be-sued society. This attitude will be New Labour's legacy.

Any kid who has a latex allergy will already have discovered it at a children's party.

Roger Tilbury, Worthing, England