Guide on allergy labelling published

The Allergen management and advisory labelling guidance, which is voluntary, uses examples of 'best practice' to help businesses of all sizes provide appropriate advisory labels that are clearer for consumers to understand.

It also helps businesses assess the risk of cross-contamination with allergens.

Research by the Agency shows that a variety of warnings such as 'may contain nuts' are used so widely on pre-packed foods that many consumers are unable to assess the risks and simply ignore them.

Unlike the situation for deliberately added ingredients, there are no statutory controls governing the labelling of the possible presence of allergens due to cross-contamination of foods along the supply chain.

Sue Hattersley, Head of the Food Standards Agency's Food Allergy Branch, said: 'Up to 1.5 million people in the UK have food allergies, and it is vital that they are fully informed about the contents of the foods they are buying.

'Advisory labelling should only be used when, following a thorough risk assessment, there is a real risk of allergen cross-contamination.

'Excessive use of warning labels about the possible presence of allergens, can restrict consumer choice and devalue the impact of warning labels.'

David Reading, Director of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, said: 'We are delighted to see this guidance published and believe it will ensure a consistent approach to controlling and communicating the presence of food allergens in pre-packed foods.

'Living with food allergy is fraught with risk and creates tremendous anxiety. The new guidance has the potential to improve things considerably for those affected.'