Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, The University of ReadingFood Labelling in the UK: A Guide to the Legal Requirements .............. Home Page |
Nutrition declaration |
Specified allergens
The regulations provide for the mandatory labelling of certain specified allergens:
... indication of the following particulars shall be mandatory:
Article 9(1) |
Annex II lists the substances considered by the EU to pose a significant hazard to certain individuals - see the list of specified substances causing allergies or intolerances.
General labelling rule
... the particulars ... shall meet the following requirements:
Where several ingredients or processing aids of a food originate from a single substance or product listed in Annex II, the labelling shall make it clear for each ingredient or processing aid concerned. The indication of the particulars ... shall not be required in cases where the name of the food clearly refers to the substance or product concerned. Article 21(1) |
Any food containing a specified substance or any ingredient derived from a specified substance, must specify the ingredient in the name of the food or be marked or labelled with a clear reference to the name of the substance as listed in the Annex. The name of the substance or product as listed in Annex II must though be emphasised. This shall be the case for every such ingredient.
Notice however that the final statement above removes the need to comply with these specific provisions in cases where the consumer can determine the presence of the substance from the name of the food.
In the absence of a list of ingredients, the indication of the particulars ... shall comprise the word ‘contains’ followed by the name of the substance or product as listed in Annex II. Article 21(1) |
Examples of products covered by this might be drinks with an alcoholic strength by volume of more than 1.2%, food listed on a menu or single ingredient foods. However, if the name of the food contains the name of the ingredient, then the exemption given above applies - for example a pack of 'Peanuts' would not need to state 'Contains peanuts'.
Guidance
More detailed guidance on the application of the requirements for allergen/intolerance labelling is available:
Examples |
Notes: