FSA Board recommends written allergen information is mandated – our response
December 14, 2023
The FSA Board has recommended that written allergen information is mandated in the non-prepacked sector.
It’s Board has agreed to also develop strong guidance for food businesses on allergen information. It acknowledged that there should be an expectation for a verbal conversation to take place between customers and staff to discuss allergen requirements.
Our response
Our Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “Hospitality businesses take allergen management extremely seriously and do everything within their power to be transparent with customers about ingredients.
“The overarching message we receive from hospitality businesses, both large and small, is that dialogue between staff and customer can be the most valuable and effective way to cater for people with allergies, alongside other methods to communicate allergy information.
“While all businesses make available allergen information for customers, additional guidance is always useful to ensure a venue’s practice is as best as it can be.
Given the ever-changing nature of menu items and ingredients used, it’s often the case that blanket policies lack the nuance needed to deliver effective allergen management.
“We’re keen to continue working with the FSA in developing this guidance, to ensure it is practical for businesses, and gain a better understanding of its recommendation to mandate written allergen information.”
