Following a series of tragic deaths as a result of undeclared allergens in takeaway foods, the Food Information (amendment) Regulations were brought into force on October 1, making it a legal requirement for businesses supplying pre-packaged for direct sale (PPDS) foods to clearly display ingredients, with allergens highlighted, on their labels.
To support businesses as they adjust to the new law, and to spread awareness as widely as possible, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is hosting a range of information resources, including downloadable posters, videos and presentations.
The materials clarify what the law means for businesses, and are available in nine languages – including English – in an effort to reach as many people as possible.
The initial idea for the campaign came from Dilys Harris, Senior Trading Standards Officer at Caerphilly County Borough Council. Harris commented:
“Trading Standards Wales is proud to promote this resource and feels it is very important that allergen legislation is understood throughout the many communities we serve.”
“It will be used by local authorities across Wales, England and Northern Ireland and is suitable for food businesses, food law enforcement officers and educational establishments.
“We aim to promote the importance of clear, accurate food information that consumers can trust and the supply of safe food.”
David Pickering, CTSI Lead Officer for Food Safety, said:
“CTSI welcome the introduction of the requirement to provide consumers with information on labels about allergenic ingredients on a wider range of food.
“This additional information will enable consumers to make safer informed choices and whilst it may be a challenge for some food businesses, they can seek advice from their local trading standards service on this important issue.”
The allergen information resources are available here.