
Food Standards Agency (FSA) opens a public consultation into new Best Practice Guidance for the provision of Allergen Information for Non-Prepacked Foods.
Current legislation requires food businesses to tell customers if the food they are serving contains any of the 14 notifiable allergens, choosing whether they provide this information in writing or verbally.
The FSA is now proposing that written allergen information is always available and presented. In addition, people with a food allergy are encouraged to talk to servers about their allergen requirements.
Background
On 3 October 2024, the Food Standards Agency published new advice for retailers, caterers and other food businesses supplying non-prepacked food in person or online. Non-prepacked foods include all foods served in pubs, cafés and restaurants, loose meat and cheese at a deli counter or drinks made to order in a coffee shop. It does not include foods prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) foods, which have their own requirements.
The consultation follows engagement with consumers, local authorities and industry, along with evidence from research to better understand how food businesses could improve written information for consumers with a food hypersensitivity (food allergy, intolerance or coeliac disease).
The change in best practice guidance
The new FSA best practice guidance (pdf) states that the most effective way to provide allergen information for non-prepacked foods is in writing and supported by a conversation. This applies to all food supplied, including free food.
Presenting written allergen information
Food businesses may choose:
– the format of the written allergen information that best suits their business model
– whether to provide the information using words or symbols with accompanying words
– to provide the allergen information in paper or digital format
When deciding how to provide written allergen information, food businesses should ensure that it is:
– easy to use; so that staff and consumers can identify dishes/products that are safe to eat
– clear; it should clearly indicate which allergens are present in dishes/products
– comprehensive; information should be provided on all 14 regulated allergens
– accurate; it can be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that the allergen content is correct
Having a conversation
The new guidance states that having a conversation about allergen requirements is extremely important to ensure all necessary information is given to enable food businesses to prepare food and meet allergen requirements and consumers to make a safe and informed choice about what food to eat.
– Food businesses should encourage consumers to make them aware of any allergen requirements they have and have a conversation about these requirements
– Staff should be trained to discuss allergens, know where to find the information they need to be able to give accurate information to the consumer and understand the potentially life-threatening consequences of providing incorrect information
– Food businesses should decide who is best placed to have allergen conversations and the process for managing orders for customers with allergen requirements
The draft best practice also covers distance selling, pre-ordering, voluntary information, other allergens and ways to ensure allergen information is accurate. Read the full pdf document.
The FSA is now asking all interested parties to share their views on these proposals before 27 November 2024 through an online consultation to help shape future best practice guidance. The FSA hopes that the final guidance will support people living with a food hypersensitivity and help food businesses comply with current legislation.
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