Consultation: Allergen labelling for out-of-home food businesses

Share your views on the draft guidance for food businesses serving non-prepacked food

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a public consultation to collect feedback on new guidance for sharing allergen information in restaurants, cafes, and other out-of-home food businesses.

The consultation follows discussions with consumers, local authorities, and industry stakeholders, as well as research into how allergen information is currently presented.

The goal is to create a more consistent approach for businesses to share allergen information, making it easier for people with food allergies to safely eat out.

Currently, food businesses are required by law to tell customers if their food contains any of the 14 mandatory allergens, but they can choose whether to provide this information verbally or in writing.

The FSA's new proposal suggests that written allergen information should always be available, alongside encouraging customers to speak with staff about their dietary needs.

Read the draft best practice guidance on allergen information for non-prepacked food.

How to respond

The FSA is calling on food businesses, consumers, and local authorities to share their views on these proposals before the consultation closes on 27 November 2024.

You can submit your response online.

This feedback will help shape future guidelines, ensuring they are practical for businesses while supporting the needs of individuals with food hypersensitivities.

First published 4 October 2024