Food Standards Agency calls for mandatory publishing of allergen information on menus

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said restaurants should be required to publish allergen information on menus.

At a board meeting yesterday, the food safety body agreed to write to government ministers supporting the introduction of new legislation.

The law had been called for by the family of 18-year-old Owen Carey, who suffered a fatal reaction to a Byron chicken burger that contained buttermilk on 22 April 2017.

Their petition calling for the mandating of written allergen information had gained almost 13,000 signatures, which led to a debate in parliament in May.

Professor Susan Jebb, chair of the FSA, said: "At the FSA we are committed to making lives better for the two million people who have a food allergy, food intolerance or coeliac disease.

“It was clear that the board feel that we should set an expectation that food businesses like coffee shops and restaurants provide allergen information in writing as well as having a conversation.

“The board also considers that to maximise the likelihood of this happening, written information should be a legal requirement, rather than just guidance. I will write to ministers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and contact my counterpart at Food Standards Scotland to discuss the board’s position as the board would like to see them take this forward on a four-country basis.”

The FSA said that it would develop strong guidance for food businesses on how to provide written allergen information to help drive up compliance, in advance of legislation being brought forward.

It also stressed there would continue to be an expectation for a verbal conversation to take place between customers and food business staff, to ensure an added layer of protection for consumers.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “Hospitality businesses take allergen management extremely seriously and do everything within their power to be transparent with customers about ingredients.

“The overarching message we receive from hospitality businesses, both large and small, is that dialogue between staff and customer can be the most valuable and effective way to cater for people with allergies, alongside other methods to communicate allergy information.

“While all businesses make available allergen information for customers, additional guidance is always useful to ensure a venue’s practice is as best as it can be.

“Given the ever-changing nature of menu items and ingredients used, it’s often the case that blanket policies lack the nuance needed to deliver effective allergen management.

“We’re keen to continue working with the FSA in developing this guidance, to ensure it is practical for businesses, and gain a better understanding of its recommendation to mandate written allergen information.”