I’m really pleased that conversations are taking place on social media about the changes that are soon to be made to food allergen labelling rules, and I’d like to clarify one or two points on which there may be confusion.
The first is about the removal of the 'Contains allergen' statements that are currently used by some food manufacturers. Many consumers may be unaware that these have been voluntary and not all food producers use them. They have also sometimes included errors, so that the ingredients list and the ‘Contains’ statement have been inconsistent. This is confusing and potentially dangerous.
New rules, more
clarity
The new rules will mean that all manufacturers will have to list the allergenic
ingredients in the same place – the ingredients list. The allergens will also
have to be emphasised, to make them stand out from the other ingredients. I
very much welcome the efforts of UK food producers and retailers to produceguidanceon a common way of emphasising the allergens.
The rules will be the same for food produced all across Europe, making it easier for people with food allergy to find the information they need to stay safe when they travel or go on holiday.
Eating out
Further good news is that from December 2014 it will be a legal requirement for
caterers to provide allergy information. At the moment it can be a hit-and-miss
experience trying to get this information.
Caterers will be able to provide this information in ways that best suit their individual business – on a menu, a ticket, a chalkboard or as part of a conversation with staff. If a business does decide to give information orally this will have to be backed up by good allergen control processes and staff knowledge, and these can be checked by local authority enforcement officers.
I think it’s good news all round, but if anyone has any more questions, please contact us at: foodintoleranceenquiries@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk