Food Allergen Labelling Guidelines

Additional guidelines for the 14 major food allergens defined by EU law.

Food Allergen Labelling Guidelines

First and foremost, all Vendors must clearly identify and highlight the presence of any of the 14 major allergens in their products. To ensure compliance and customer safety, follow these key steps:

Thoroughly review your ingredients: Carefully examine all components of your products to identify the use of any of the 14 allergens.

Use clear, prominent labelling: Highlight allergens in bold, italics, or a different colour on your product packaging and online listings.

Avoid cross-contamination: Implement strict protocols to prevent unintentional allergen presence in your products.

Update your product information regularly: Ensure your listings always reflect the most current allergen information.

Provide detailed ingredient lists: Include comprehensive ingredient breakdowns for each product.

Use plain language: Clearly state allergens using their common names, such as “milk” instead of “casein”.

Consider advisory labels: When appropriate, use “may contain” statements for potential cross-contamination risks.

Train your staff: Ensure all team members understand allergen labelling requirements and can answer customer queries.

Stay informed: Regularly check for updates to allergen regulations and adjust your practices accordingly.

Implement allergen management plans: Develop and follow strict protocols for handling allergens in your production process.

The 14 major food allergens:

Furthermore, familiarise yourself with specific allergen examples. This concise overview provides essential information about each allergen, highlighting their prevalence and potential risks.

Celery: This versatile vegetable, including its seeds and leaves, can trigger severe allergic reactions in some individuals.

Cereals containing gluten: Wheat, barley, and oats are common culprits. These grains are ubiquitous in many foods and can cause coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Crustaceans: Prawns, crabs, and lobsters fall into this category. Even small amounts can provoke serious allergic responses in susceptible people.

Eggs: A common ingredient in many dishes, egg allergies can range from mild to severe and affect both children and adults.

Fish: All types of fish can trigger allergies. Moreover, fish allergies often persist throughout a person’s lifetime.

Lupin: This legume is increasingly used in flour. Interestingly, people with peanut allergies may also react to lupin.

Milk: Dairy products are widespread allergens. Furthermore, milk allergies differ from lactose intolerance and can be life-threatening.

Molluscs: This group includes mussels, oysters, and squid. Allergic reactions to molluscs can be particularly severe.

Mustard: Seeds and leaves of the mustard plant can cause allergic reactions. Additionally, mustard is often a hidden ingredient in many sauces and dressings.

Peanuts: One of the most common food allergens, peanuts can cause severe, potentially fatal, allergic reactions.

Sesame: These tiny seeds pack a punch for allergy sufferers. They’re often found in bread, oils, and Asian cuisine.

Soybeans: A common allergen, especially in children. Soy is present in many processed foods and vegetarian alternatives.

Sulphur dioxide and sulphites: These preservatives can trigger asthma-like symptoms in some people, particularly in higher concentrations.

Tree nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, macadamia nuts and others in this group are potent allergens. Notably, an allergy to one type of tree nut often means avoiding all nuts.

Natasha’s Law

Revolutionising Food Labelling in the UK. Natasha’s Law, a ground breaking piece of legislation, came into effect on 1 October 2021, significantly transforming food labelling requirements across the United Kingdom. This law, officially known as the UK Food Information Amendment, mandates that all food businesses must provide comprehensive ingredient lists and allergen information on pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) foods.

The Origins of Natasha’s Law

The law is named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, a teenager who tragically died from an allergic reaction after consuming a baguette that lacked proper allergen labelling. Consequently, her parents campaigned tirelessly for stricter food labelling regulations, ultimately leading to this crucial legislative change.

Key Requirements of Natasha’s Law

Under this new legislation, food businesses must now:

• Clearly label all PPDS foods with a full list of ingredients
• Emphasise the 14 major allergens in bold within the ingredients list
• Ensure labels are easily visible and legible on the packaging

These requirements apply to a wide range of establishments, including cafes, delis, bakeries, and supermarkets that prepare and package food on-site for direct sale to consumers.

Impact on Food Businesses

To comply with Natasha’s Law, many food businesses have had to:

• Review and update their food labelling processes
• Invest in new labelling equipment and software
• Train staff on allergen awareness and proper labelling procedures
• Implement rigorous quality control measures

Benefits for Consumers

This legislation offers numerous benefits to consumers, particularly those with food allergies or intolerances. Firstly, it provides clearer, more comprehensive information about food ingredients. Secondly, it empowers consumers to make safer, more informed food choices. Lastly, it reduces the risk of allergic reactions due to undisclosed allergens.

Enforcement and Compliance

Local authorities are responsible for enforcing Natasha’s Law. Food businesses that fail to comply may face significant penalties, including fines and potential closure. Therefore, it’s crucial for all food establishments to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and ensure full compliance.

For more information on Natasha’s Law and food labelling requirements, visit the official Food Standards Agency website: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/introduction-to-allergen-labelling-changes-ppds

By adhering to Natasha’s Law, food businesses not only comply with legal requirements but also demonstrate their commitment to customer safety and transparency. This legislation marks a significant step forward in protecting consumers with food allergies and intolerances across the UK.

By following these guidelines, you’ll not only comply with EU regulations but also build trust with your customers. Remember, transparent allergen information is crucial for consumer safety and satisfaction.

Additional Information

For more detailed information, consult the following resources

• Food Standards Agency (FSA): https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses
• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/food-allergy
• Allergy UK: https://www.allergyuk.org/

Prioritising allergen awareness and proper labelling will help you succeed on VegaVend while ensuring the safety of your customers.