WITH the gradual easing of Covid-19 restrictions and the reopening of many businesses, food outlets are being reminded of the importance of providing clear allergen and ingredient information to customers.
As of Monday 12 April, certain businesses including non-essential retail and leisure facilities have been allowed to reopen. And with food and hospitality businesses including pubs and restaurants also allowed to open outside, Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service is advising them of their responsibilities.
Businesses and customers are being reminded that all prepacked foods should have an ingredients list which will highlight the main allergens. In a takeaway or restaurant however, the information must be provided in the form of a list or verbally if asked by a customer.
Those with food allergies or intolerances are also being reminded to check that food ordered does not contain an ingredient which would harm them.
In recent years, trading standards have undertaken a number of investigations as a result of allergens not being correctly declared, some of which have resulted in hospitalisation of those affected and businesses being prosecuted.
The reminder comes ahead of Food Allergy Awareness Week taking place in May.
Tony Shore, Trading Standards Manager at Staffordshire County Council said:
“With the recent easing of Covid-19 restrictions, we’re now starting to see more food businesses reopening.
“The rules around providing clear allergy information and ingredients labelling haven’t changed but we’re just reminding businesses of the importance of following them.
“For some people, food allergies and having a bad allergic reaction can be very serious or even life threatening. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a number of incidents in the county where people have ended up in hospital. That’s why we’re working with food outlets to make sure they are aware of their responsibility to provide customers with clear information regarding their food products.”
The service continues to support the national ‘Easy to Ask’ campaign by the Food Standards Agency, Allergy UK and the Anaphylaxis Campaign to speak about allergies.
People can find out more information by visiting: www.allergyuk.org
