Food allergy guidance published

17 Jan 08

Source: Food Standards Agency

The Food Standards Agency has today published new guidance to help food businesses assist customers who need to avoid certain ingredients because of an allergy.

The new guidance is targeted at businesses selling food that is not packaged, such as restaurants, cafés, deli counters, sandwich bars and bakeries. It is part of the Agency's ongoing work to help these businesses to improve the information they make available to customers who have food allergies or intolerance.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said products made with ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction should have them listed on a card, label or menu. Its new voluntary guidelines are backed by an advice booklet which warns that "eating even a small bit of food" can cause illness or death.