Labelling rules in European Directives 2003/89/EC and 2006/142/EC ensure that all consumers are given comprehensive ingredient listing information and make it easier for people with food allergies to identify ingredients they need to avoid. However, following implementation of the Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, allergen labelling rules will be changing in December 2014. The new regulation, which was published in October 2011, will build on current allergen labelling provisions for prepacked foods and will introduce a new requirement for allergen information to be provided for foods sold non-packed or prepacked for direct sale. The three year transition period allows businesses to make the necessary changes to their processes and labelling designs in order to meet the provisions laid out in the legislation. The Food Standards Agency continues to work with all its stakeholders to develop industry-led guidance to support businesses with regard to their responsibilities on provision of allergen information for foods sold prepacked and non-prepacked. The British Retail Consortium and the Food and Drink Federation have already produced guidance on the new allergen labelling requirements for prepacked foods. The Agency welcomes this guidance and industry’s efforts for greater consistency in their approach to allergen labelling and interpretation of the provisions within the new Regulation. This more consistent approach will make it easier for the allergic consumer to find and understand the allergen information provided on prepacked foods.
