The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking stakeholder comments on proposed best practice guidance for providing allergen information on non-prepackaged foods. This guidance targets retailers, caterers, and other food service businesses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, including those serving food in-person or online.
The advice is based on FSA research and consumer engagement. It emphasises the need for allergen information to be easily accessible in writing and supported by verbal communication between food service staff and their customers. The draft guidance document sets out examples of how best to phrase written allergen disclosures, and a flow chart is included that demonstrates how an effective conversation about allergen requirements may be conducted.
Businesses are encouraged to ensure written disclosures are readily available and staff are trained to discuss allergen requirements with customers. The guidance also suggests providing a breakdown of dish components to enhance service and choice for consumers. For online or phone orders, allergen information should be provided before ordering and upon delivery. Food service staff should check the order with the customer to confirm their allergen requirements have been met.
The guidance also includes advice on precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) and other voluntary claims like “gluten-free”.
The public consultation is open until November 27, 2024. The FSA will then collate, consider and publish the responses received, prior to publishing the best practice guidance in early 2025.
