Allergen Labelling Regulations for Food Businesses

Overview of Regulations

New regulations ensure clear allergen information:

• Implemented under EU Food Information for Consumers and Food Innovation regulations 2014.
• Applies to all food businesses in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• Includes food manufacturers, restaurants, mobile vendors, sandwich suppliers, and catering services.

Importance of Allergen Information

Significance of allergen labelling for consumer safety:

• An estimated two million people in the UK have food allergies.
• Allergic reactions can be severe, with about ten deaths annually from food-related allergies.
• Consumers need accurate allergen information to avoid allergens triggering reactions.

Covered Allergens and Exceptions

Regulated allergen groups include:

• Cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, other nuts, and soybeans.
• Exceptions apply to milk, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, sulphur dioxide/sulphites, lupins, and molluscs.

Scope of Regulations

Applicability to various types of food:

• Covers pre-packaged, non-pre-packaged, and food pre-packed for direct sale by food businesses.
• Excludes occasional food offerings at events like charitable gatherings or school sales.

Labelling Requirements

Specifications for allergen labelling:

• Clear listing of allergens used in preparation or manufacturing.
• Details on label size and font to ensure visibility and legibility.
• Transition period for old-style labels pre-December 13, 2014, with new labelling required thereafter.

Compliance and Enforcement

Enforcement and consequences of non-compliance:

• Failure to comply is a criminal offence, subject to fines and prosecution.
• Local enforcement agencies, like trading standards or environmental health, handle regulatory queries.