Understanding allergen information requirements is crucial for both consumers and food businesses. The way this information is communicated varies significantly between prepacked and non-prepacked food. This page provides a detailed overview of these requirements, focusing on the distinctions between prepacked food, non-prepacked food, and prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) food.
Regulations on the provision of food labelling are primarily outlined in retained Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 (for England and Wales) and Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 (for Northern Ireland), commonly referred to as the ‘provision of Food Information to Consumers’ (FIC) regulation. Local authorities enforce this legislation under the Food Information Regulations and equivalent regulations in Northern Ireland and Wales.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) oversees food safety and food hygiene in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, local authorities are tasked with monitoring and enforcing food safety regulations in their respective areas to ensure standards are met.
Food businesses must adhere to allergen information rules as set out in the FIC.
This requires Food Business Operators (FBOs) to:
For prepacked food, the law mandates an ingredients list identified by a suitable heading that includes the word ‘ingredients’. The 14 major allergens must be clearly distinguished from the rest of the ingredients each time they appear in the list. This can be achieved through bold text.
Prepacked food is any food that is placed into packaging before being offered for sale and:
Allergen information must be available for any food containing the 14 major allergens. This information can be provided in various formats, including written notices or orally, but there must be clear signposting to where consumers can find this information if it’s not provided upfront.
Fresh pizza, salad bars, and bakery items.
Loose food from a deli counter (cold meats, cheeses, quiches, pies, dips).
Meals served in restaurants, cafes, or takeaways.
From 1st October 2021, PPDS food must have a label with the name of the food and a full ingredients list, with allergens emphasized. This change aims to enhance transparency and ensure consumers are well-informed about the allergens in the food they purchase.
PPDS food is food that is packed before being offered for sale by the same food business to the final consumer, either:
To determine if a food item is PPDS, it must meet the following criteria:
If the answers to all three questions are yes, the food is considered PPDS.
Packaging refers to any single item where the food and its packaging are presented as a single unit that cannot be altered without opening or changing the packaging.
The same site refers to a building complex (e.g., a shopping center or airport terminal) where the same food business operates from more than one unit within the complex.
Providing accurate allergen information is vital for the safety and well-being of consumers, particularly those with food allergies. Food businesses must ensure they comply with the regulations to avoid severe health risks and potential legal consequences.
Training: Staff should be trained to understand allergen information requirements and how to communicate them effectively.
Clear Signposting: Whether information is provided in writing or orally, there must be clear indications for consumers on how to access it.
Consistent Labeling: Ensure all labels on prepacked and PPDS food comply with the allergen information requirements, using clear and consistent methods to highlight allergens.
The distinction between prepacked, non-prepacked, and PPDS food is essential for understanding allergen information requirements. By sticking to these guidelines, food businesses can ensure they provide necessary allergen information, thereby protecting consumers and maintaining compliance with food safety regulations.