FSA Discusses Unregulated Labelling

12th November sees a conference being held at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to explore the risks this issue holds for consumers. The event will also look into consumer understanding of tolerance levels and thresholds, following recent research carried out by Anaphylaxis Campaign.

Lynne Regent, Anaphylaxis Campaign CEO said, “UK food companies have already expressed their concern in being able to comply with new European rules covering the labelling of food allergens which compel them to remove ‘contains’ boxes from their products, restrict information about the use of allergenic ingredients to ingredients lists and emphasise allergens through font, style, background colour, or other clearly distinguishable typeset. These regulations have caused much confusion, which has panicked both manufacturers and consumers, but they do not apply to precautionary “may contain” warnings, which will still be permitted. A major problem is that although our research reveals that 86% of those surveyed would purchase products claiming to be ‘allergen free’ on the label, there are no consistent standards in place for ‘free from’ claims as they are simply not regulated. Threshold level establishment would go a long way to helping regulate claims like these, ultimately making the consumer safer.”

Sue Hattersley, head of food allergy at the FSA said, “With over 60 representatives from the food industry already confirmed, it’s brilliant that the Anaphylaxis Campaign runs events like these, to not just educate food businesses on their responsibilities to consumers and help them gain greater understanding, but also to gather opinion and troubleshoot any problems they might be experiencing in being able to fulfil their responsibilities. We would encourage food businesses of any kind to attend this event if possible to get ahead of the regulations and make sure they can comply as soon as possible.”