Did you know that all food-selling establishments now must have 14 key food allergens labelled and be able to advise customers if any of the foods they are thinking of ordering contain one of these ingredients?
The customers who have food allergies to be better informed and reduce the number of adverse reactions. New ‘chef cards’ are also available for the public to show caterers the foods to which they are allergic.
Since 13 December 2014, the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation 1169/2011 requires food businesses to provide allergy information on food sold unpackaged. This includes in catering outlets, deli counters, bakeries and sandwich bars. There were also changes to existing legislation on labelling allergenic ingredients in prepacked foods. The Food Standards Agency has provided guidance advice for UK food businesses.
For assistance in putting paperwork into place to help consumers and managing the communications challenge in your food establishment, we can help. We have associates who can work with you and your staff to better understand food allergies and intolerances and how to communicate this to your customers.
Useful links
Food Standards Agency – food labelling guidance including link to downloadable ‘Chef cards’
What do food labels mean? (NHS)