The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued best practice industry guidance on providing allergen information to consumers with food hypersensitivities, encouraging information on food allergens to be available in writing in the out of home sector, for example food to go areas, instore cafes and delis.
The new guidance aims to support businesses when providing information on the 14 food allergens to their customers, whilst helping to keep consumers safe. It applies to food businesses providing non-prepacked or ‘loose’ food in person or online.
It follows a consultation on the guidance, as well as research and engagement with consumers and businesses to better understand how food businesses could improve written information for consumers with food hypersensitivities.
Katie Pettifer, chief executive of the FSA, said: “We’re still encouraging consumers to tell food business staff about any food allergies or intolerances, but we’re now setting an expectation that businesses should provide written allergen information and encourage a conversation with customers.
“By following the guidance, businesses can promote consumer confidence in their food businesses by ensuring consumers can understand the allergen information and ensure they don’t feel excluded from experiencing our vibrant food culture.”
The updated guidance includes written allergen information should always be available for non-prepacked food alongside a conversation between servers and customers about their allergen requirements, as well as examples of how to provide written allergen information. There are also free tools to support implementation, which are available to download. For more information, visit the information page here.
This updated guidance applies to businesses operating in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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