The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued best practice industry guidance on providing effective allergen information to out-of-home consumers with food hypersensitivities.
The guidance, which applies to foodservice businesses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland serving non-prepacked or ‘loose’ food in person or via online sales, has been published on the FSA website.
It follows a consultation launched last October as well as FSA research and engagement with consumers and firms to better understand how businesses could improve written information and help keep people safe.
Among the recommendations for foodservice operators is to make information on the presence of any of the 14 major food allergens in their products readily available in writing at their sites, such as bakeries, cafés, restaurants, delis, market stalls and takeaway outlets.
An update to the guidance includes:
- A conversation between servers and customers about their allergen requirements
- Examples of how to provide written allergen information
- Free tools to support businesses with implementation, such as allergy icons, an allergen matrix, and a new allergy poster which food businesses can download and use on their own assets (e.g. menus and websites).
“We are still encouraging consumers to tell food business staff about any food allergies or intolerances, but we are now setting an expectation that businesses should provide written allergen information and encourage a conversation with their customers,” commented FSA chief executive Katie Pettifer. “This easy-to-use guidance will help businesses, like cafes and restaurants, provide allergen information in a more consistent and helpful way for people with food hypersensitivities.
“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,” she added.
New guidance was also launched last November by the Food & Drink Federation to help food manufacturers reduce allergen-related incidents and recalls. Convenience sector supplier Country Choice and food-to-go manufacturer Bakkavor stepped up on their allergen management amidst Allergen Awareness Week 2024 last April.
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