Food Standards Agency unveils new allergen communication ‘expectations’ for UK food businesses

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has unveiled new ‘expectations’ aimed at improving allergen communication within the out-of-home food sector, including restaurants, cafes, delis, market stalls and takeaways. The updated guidance encourages food businesses to provide allergen information in writing, alongside verbal communication, to better protect consumers with food hypersensitivities and ensure a higher level of safety.

The new recommendations, applicable to businesses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, aim to help businesses provide clear information on the 14 major food allergens while ensuring customers feel safe and included when dining out. The move follows an extensive consultation process involving research and engagement with consumers and food businesses to identify the best ways to improve written allergen communication.

Currently, food businesses are legally required to inform customers about the presence of major allergens in their dishes. This can be done through menu listings, separate allergen menus, or verbal communication upon request. Staff must also be trained to deliver this information accurately and be aware of potential cross-contamination risks.

The FSA’s new guidance builds on these existing requirements by recommending that written allergen information should always be available for non-prepacked food, alongside a conversation between staff and customers about allergen concerns. It also provides practical examples for businesses on how to present written allergen information and offers free tools to aid implementation. These include allergy icons, an allergen matrix, and a downloadable allergy poster that businesses can use across their menus and websites.

Promoting consumer confidence

Katie Pettifer, Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency, highlighted the importance of this initiative in promoting consumer confidence:

“We are still encouraging consumers to tell food business staff about any food allergies or intolerances, but we are now setting an expectation that businesses should provide written allergen information and encourage a conversation with their customers. This easy-to-use guidance will help businesses, like cafes and restaurants, provide allergen information in a more consistent and helpful way for people with food hypersensitivities.

“By following the guidance, businesses can promote consumer confidence in their food businesses by ensuring consumers can understand the allergen information and ensure they don’t feel excluded from experiencing our vibrant food culture.”

The publication of this updated guidance marks the latest step in the FSA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen allergen information for consumers, following the FSA Board’s decision in December 2023 to improve safety and transparency in the sector.