UK Restaurants Must Provide Allergen Information
Table of Contents
New regulations require clear labeling of allergens in non-prepacked foods.
Restaurants, cafés, adn takeaways in the UK are now required too provide accurate information on the 14 major allergens present in “non-prepacked food,” according to the Food Information Regulations 2014.
The Importance of Allergen Awareness
this legislation aims to protect individuals with allergies by ensuring thay have the necessary information to make safe food choices.
“always be provided in writing at the point of ordering without the customer having to ask.”
Paul Carey, a spokesperson from allergy campaign group Owen’s Law, told BBC South East that best practice allergen information should “always be provided in writing at the point of ordering without the customer having to ask”.He advocates for this to become law following the tragic death of his son, Owen, who unknowingly consumed buttermilk in a burger during his 18th birthday celebration.
Regarding dedicated peanut-free spaces for individuals like Chloe,Mr Carey stated: “If people with allergies want to feel safe,then going to a place which is guaranteeing that can only be a good thing.”
Understanding Allergies and Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the 14 major allergens?
- The 14 major allergens are celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, soybeans, and sulphur dioxide.
- What is Owen’s Law?
- Owen’s Law is a campaign advocating for mandatory written allergen information at the point of ordering in food establishments, named after Owen Carey who died from an allergic reaction.
- What does “non-prepacked food” mean?
- “Non-prepacked food” refers to food that is not packaged before being offered for sale to the consumer, such as meals served in restaurants or items from a deli counter.
