Allergen content to be displayed on food

New food labelling regulations that come into force from Friday 12 December will mean that all food products, bought from shops or in cafes and restaurants, will have to display information about its allergen content.

Specific allergens, which can cause serious health problems for some people will need to be highlighted so that consumers can make informed choices about their purchases.

Those allergens include: Cereals containing gluten; crustaceans; eggs; fish; peanuts; soybeans; milk; nuts; celery; mustard; sesame; sulphur dioxide or sulphites (at a level above 10mg/kg or 10mg/litre); lupin; and molluscs.

Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Officers and District/City Council Environmental Health Officers will be advising businesses about the rules, and are responsible for enforcing the new regulations in partnership with the Food Standards Agency. 

Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member responsible for the Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service, said: “Devon and Somerset Trading Standards is working with Environmental Health colleagues to make sure that food manufacturers and caterers across the two counties are aware and prepared for the changes. 

"Food allergens can be life threatening and the only way people can manage a food allergy is to avoid the foods that make them ill.

"This is important legislation for consumers and businesses will benefit from more informed and confident customers.”

The Food Standards Agency is warning businesses that serving someone a food that they are allergic to can damage the reputation of their business as well as cause serious harm to their customer.

They say:  “Food allergens cannot be removed by cooking.  That is why it’s essential to practise good kitchen hygiene, as well as care separation, storage and labelling of ingredients when preparing food.”

The new regulations further strengthen guidance that food manufacturers and caterers are already aware about the importance of hygiene, and safe ingredient preparation.

Matt Wilby, Managing Director of Devon Norse, which supplies school meals across Devon, said: “We would never wish to contribute to a customers allergic reaction as we know how serious the consequences can be. We appreciate the importance of clear, accurate and detailed advice to customers. As a responsible food provider we are pleased to implement these changes."

Training events have been arranged for businesses in Devon throughout November and early December.

The events are in Totnes on Wednesday 12 November, Exeter on the Tuesday 25 November, Tavistock on Thursday 27 November, and Exeter on Thursday 4 December.

Businesses wanting to attend any of the meetings must register with the local Environmental Health teams at their District Councils. 

Guidance about the new regulations on allergen labelling can be found here: http://www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/allergy-guide/allergen-resources and http://allergytraining.food.gov.uk/english/