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.
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