From December 13th 2014, new legislation will be introduced that requires all catering businesses to provide allergen information to their customers on request.
There are 14 allergens covered by the Food Information for Consumers Regulation. The list includes cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, molluscs, eggs, fish, peanuts, nuts, soybeans, milk, celery, mustard, sesame, lupin and sulphur dioxide.
What does this mean to me?
- Information can be provided verbally on request and clear signage must indicate that allergens information is available.
- Catering businesses do not need to include the information on menus or on Specials boards. However, if a customer requests information on allergens and indicates they have an allergy, then information must be displayed at both point of sale and on delivery.
- It is not a requirement that every member of staff knows the full details of every allergen used in every dish. You must however, ensure that processes are in place in order to provide consistent and accurate information on the allergen content of all dishes. An up to date written policy should be available on site.
- Failing to provide allergen information, or providing incorrect information, could result in a fine of up to £5,000.
- Check with suppliers on the allergen content of all the products you’ve purchased in order to provide a comprehensive list.
- Unless you can guarantee no cross-contamination, you should also make sure any customers who ask about allergens are aware of the potential risk from the use of allergens in the kitchen.
>>> CLICK HERE to take the FREE online allergen training course to see how allergen aware you are.
