Allergen information for ‘prepacked for direct sale’ food
Information note on the new allergen labelling rules for food businesses which will come into effect from October 2021
From 1 October 2021, the way food businesses must provide allergen labelling information for Prepacked for Direct Sale (PPDS) food will change.
These changes will provide essential information to help people with a food allergy or intolerance to make safe choices when buying PPDS food.
How the changes will apply
Currently, the law does not require PPDS food to carry allergen information on the packaging.
From 1 October 2021, PPDS food will need to have a label with a full ingredients list with allergenic ingredients emphasised within it.
The new PPDS food rules should not change consumers and businesses having conversations about allergens.
Outline of new rules
According to the new rules, PPDS food will have to clearly display the following information on the packaging:
1. name of the food, 2. full ingredients list, with 3. allergenic ingredients emphasised (for example in bold, italics or a different colour)
Prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) food
As there is no legal definition, the current FSA interpretation for PPDS is that it applies to foods that have been packed on the same premises from which they are being sold. Food that can fall into this category could include meat pies made on site and sandwiches made and sold from the premises in which they are made. It is expected that the customer is able to speak with the person who made or packed the product to ask about ingredients.
The FSA is currently developing a revised working interpretation of the types of food to which this legislation applies. This will give greater clarity on the types of food covered, and how they are made available to the consumer.
Further information will also be provided in FSA Technical Guidance which we aim to publish in December 2019.
When the changes will apply
The changes will apply from 1 October 2021, to allow food businesses time to prepare for
compliance with the new rules.
The legislative changes have been introduced in England with similar arrangements expected to follow in the devolved nations to introduce a consistent UK-wide approach at a similar time.
The 14 allergens: a quick reminder
The EU Regulation on Food Information for Consumers, which came into law in 2014, lists 14 allergens that need to be identified if they are used as ingredients.
These are:
Nuts (Namely almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecan nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachio, cashew, Macadamia or Queensland nut), Peanuts, Eggs, Milk, Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, Cereals containing gluten (namely wheat (such as spelt and Khorasan wheat), barley, rye and oats), Celery, Lupin, Mustard, Sesame seeds, Soya, Sulphur dioxide (when added and above 10mg/ kg in the finished food and drink).
More information
To ensure you keep your business complying with the new legislation we can help. AMCAS is in the business of doing exactly that with a series of bespoke courses and Highfield Qualifications on offer, we can also conduct audits, inspections and create a report or plan for your business to enable you to comply with the new legislation on Allergen.
We’re happy to help.
