The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a food allergen technical guidance for small and medium-sized (SME) businesses.
The move forms a part of the European Union Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU FIC) that will come into effect over the future.
With the help of new guide lines, SME businesses across the country will comply with pre-packed foods and non-prepacked (loose) foods labeling rules, effective 13 December this year.
As per the new rules, the food businesses must provide information on the presence of 14 allergens including cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, molluscs, eggs, fish, peanuts, nuts, soya, milk, celery, mustard, sesame, lupin, and sulphur dioxide, if used in the preparation of any food item.
The presentation of accurate allergen information is required due to the severity associated with allergic reactions and it must be consistent and verifiable upon challenge.
