Foodlaw-Reading

Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK

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Food Law News - UK - 2014

FSA News Item, 1 August 2014

LABELLING - SME food allergen labelling guidance published

The FSA is issuing technical guidance to help small and medium-sized (SME) businesses comply with new rules on allergen labelling and information, which take effect later this year. The guidance is being published following a public consultation.

From 13 December 2014, food businesses in the UK will have to follow new rules in labelling pre-packed foods and non-prepacked (loose) foods. This is part of the European Union Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU FIC) coming into force.

The 14 allergens

The new rules require food businesses to provide information on the presence of 14 allergens, if added or used as ingredients in food. The 14 allergens as listed in the EU FIC are:

The FSA guidance provides detailed interpretations of the EU FIC’s allergen requirements and, where appropriate, examples of best practice. It intends to help food businesses (especially small and medium enterprises) to comply with the changes and develop understanding in practically applying the new requirements.

Key points

The key points of the guidance are:

The guidance, which can be found at the link towards the end of this page, will be reviewed in July 2016.

Other related items, including SME leaflets on the new allergen rules for non-prepacked foods and prepacked foods, can also be found on this page.

Copies of the publications mentioned above can be found on this website. See;


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