Date of Publication: March 2025
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released their FSA Allergen Update
Best practice guidance has been developed to help food businesses provide accurate allergen information for non-prepacked foods. This includes foods served in cafés, restaurants, bakeries, market stalls, delis, and takeaways, as well as online and distance-selling channels.
Key Areas Covered in the FSA Allergen Update
Mandatory Allergen Information:
Businesses must inform consumers if any of the 14 regulated allergens are used as ingredients. Allergen information should be:
- Provided in writing and supported by a conversation.
- Available at the point of ordering and delivery for online and distance selling.
- Signage how to access the information should be displayed or on the menu
Best Practice Recommendations:
- Written: Under the FSA Allergen Update businesses should use clear, easy-to-understand formats such as menus, allergen matrices, or labels, making information easily accessible.
- Conversations with Consumers: Staff should be trained to ask about allergen requirements and discuss potential risks of cross-contact to ensure a safe dining experience.
- Regular Updates: Allergen information should be routinely reviewed and updated to reflect ingredient changes.
Voluntary ‘Free From’ and PAL Information:
Businesses making ‘free from’ claims (e.g., ‘gluten-fre’) must follow strict guidelines. Additionally, precautionary allergen labelling (PAL), such as ‘may contain’ statements, should be clearly communicated to avoid consumer confusion.
Distance Selling and Pre-Ordering:
When selling non-prepacked food online or via telephone, allergen information must be provided:
- Before placing the order to inform choices.
- Upon delivery to confirm the safety of the meal.
Staff Training and Allergen Management:
All staff should be trained to handle allergen queries and follow established allergen management protocols. A clear communication process should be in place to ensure allergen information is passed accurately between staff, kitchen, and front-of-house teams.
Download the pdf version by clicking here
Full guidance and resources: FSA Allergen Guidance for Non-Prepacked Foods
The FSA Allergen Update offers Free tools to support businesses with implementation, such as allergy icons, an allergen matrix and a new allergy poster which food businesses can download and use on their own assets (e.g. menus and websites)?
This updated guidance applies to businesses operating in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.?
The publication of the guidance is the latest development since the FSA Board agreed in December 2023 to strengthen allergy information for consumers.?