Allergen labelling could cover loose foods

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is in talks with stakeholders to examine extending new allergen labelling guidance to cover loose foods.

The amended allergen labelling rules, which came into force in November 2005, cover pre-packaged food and alcoholic drinks, but do not apply to food sold loose or pre-packed for direct sale.

On Friday, FSA stakeholders, including caterers, suppliers and consumers, met to discuss including allergen information on loose foods, such as that sold at catering outlets and on deli counters.

“The aim of the process is to have some voluntary guidance on allergen labelling of loose foods for places like sandwich bars and delis,” said an FSA spokesman.

According to the Provision Trade Federation (PTF), the trade association for dairy and processed meat suppliers, FSA stakeholders agree that allergen information on loose foods should be improved, focusing on deliberate addition of ingredients, rather than the possibility of cross-contamination.

PTF manager of regulatory affairs Diana Axby said: “According to the FSA, a lot of anaphylactic shocks happen in catering outlets, which is what has prompted the move.”

However, the PTF is keen to ensure the guidance does not cover dairy products.

“Pre-packaged dairy products do not have to include ‘contains milk’ on the label, and we want the same guidance for loose foods, unless it’s for a particularly exotic cheese where the consumer might not realise what it is,” said Axby.

The new guidance is expected to be ready early next year, following a public consultation.

For more information go to http://www.food.gov.org​