1.5 million people in the UK have a food allergy or intolerance. Around 10 people each year die from eating something that they are allergic to and many more become severely ill. Food allergies are a major food safety issue and quite rightly command a great deal of attention from the media and the Food… Read more »
Why are they so useful? Once denigrated as ‘ugly, overused and doomed’, Quick Response (QR) codes became ubiquitous during the pandemic and are proving to be a very useful tool for the hospitality industry. These two-dimensional matrix bar codes are designed to store lots of information, stand out and be read easily from any direction…. Read more »
As the climate crisis intensifies, we are seeing a growing emphasis on the importance of sustainability across the hospitality industry. A previous blog highlighted how Lussmanns, Pizzarova, The Kia Oval and the Goodwood Estate, who all have ethical practices at the heart of their operations, are pioneering sustainable dining. In this updated post, we report… Read more »
Best practice guidance on food allergen labelling On 5 September 2023, the Food Standards Agency published updates to their food allergen labelling and information technical guidance. The update supports the Food and Drink Federation‘s guidance on Change Management of Allergen Information. The FSA best practice technical guidance recommends changes in relation to how food businesses… Read more »
Research published in August 2022 by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) provided updated statistics on food allergies, intolerances and other hypersensitivities. The bi-annual Food and You 2 online survey, conducted by Ipsos, measures self-reported knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to various issues including food safety and security, sustainability and diets. A total of 5,796 adults… Read more »
In March 2022, the Food Standards Agency (FSA ) introduced the second phase of its ‘Speak Up for Allergies’ campaign. Launched in February 2021, the campaign was conceived after research showed that children and young people are at a higher risk of experiencing food allergy reactions. It aims to encourage young adults with food allergies… Read more »
How to comply with ‘Natasha’s Law’ If you run a food business you must comply with all the relevant legislation, including The UK Food Information Amendment, which came into effect in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 1 October 2021. This amendment, known as ‘Natasha’s Law‘ was introduced by the UK Government following the death… Read more »
Many of the food businesses that use Menu Guide for allergen management have ethical practices at the heart of their operations. The multi-award-winning independent group, Lussmanns, has pioneered sustainable dining since 2002. More than 95% of the food that these Hertfordshire-based restaurants serve is grown or produced in the UK and sourced from welfare-driven British… Read more »
During the coronavirus pandemic, many food businesses started offering takeaway and delivery for the first time. While lockdown restrictions prevented cafes, pubs and restaurants from providing their usual table service, they looked for new ways to keep trading and to meet increasing consumer demand for ‘click and collect’ and home delivery. Which is where Menu… Read more »
Our Food – FSA & FSS Annual Review
Best practice for allergen information
Allergen information for distance selling
Draft guidance for allergen information
Naming vegan alternatives to dairy foods