To address consumer confusion over the wording of precautionary allergen information on food packaging, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking input from the industry.
The FSA wants to collate the views of businesses, local authority teams, healthcare professionals, allergy charities, consumers and any other interested parties through a consultation and a series of online workshops.
Although FSA studies have found that consumers with food allergies, intolerances or coeliac disease appreciate labelling that informs them about avoidable allergen cross-contamination risks, they also revealed that some consumers are confused by the range of statements used.
FSA director of policy, Rebecca Sudworth, said: “Consumers have told us that inconsistency in how precautionary allergen labelling and information is given can cause a lack of trust in the labels and stop them being able to enjoy certain foods.
“We know that precautionary allergen information is difficult for businesses and local authorities responsible for enforcing the law, and we very keen to hear from them about how to make the law clearer and easier to follow.
“The responses we get will help inform our next steps in making a workable system for businesses to put into practice that consumers understand and trust.”
More information about how to take part in the consultation can be found here.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
