SKDC is helping food businesses prepare for dealing with the new rules on allergens through a series of workshops early next year.
Allergens produce an abnormally vigorous immune response in some people which lead to the body fighting off a perceived threat that would otherwise be harmless to the body. This is commonly called an allergy.
Food businesses in the district due an inspection from January to June 2015 have been invited to the sessions which take place from January, that will help traders check their responsibilities to verbally explain or signpost allergenic information for the food they sell or provide.
Other food businesses may request a place on these workshops by visiting www.southkesteven.gov.uk/foodallergens or calling 01476 40 60 80.
Currently, when supermarket bakeries, delis, cafes, restaurants, takeaways and other food outlets sell loose foods, they don’t have to provide information to customers about food allergens.
However food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions and the numbers of people with this condition are growing.
The primary cause of food allergy deaths in the UK is due to reactions when food is consumed outside the home where allergenic ingredients have not been declared.
The new rules, in force from December 13, will mean that all food businesses will need to inform customers if any of 14 allergenic ingredients are present in the food they make or serve.
This can be communicated to customers in writing on menus, verbally through explanations by staff or signposted to where or how more information can be found.
Although the new EU rules are now coming into force, they were published in October 2011, to give food businesses three years to get ready for the new provisions.
SKDC’s Environmental Health Team Leader Judy Hulland said: “All food businesses in South Kesteven should now be getting ready to provide this vital information.
“We understand they work long hours, leaving little time to read through new guidance. However, easy-to-understand information is available on the FSA’s website to help businesses with these changes – at www.food.gov.uk/allergy
“Businesses could be missing out on vital custom by not providing clear and accurate allergen information about the food they sell or serve.
“If any business needs advice and guidance on the new rules, they can get in touch with our Environmental Health department by emailing healthy@southkesteven.gov.uk or calling 01476 40 60 80.”
Local authorities will be working together with the FSA to make sure businesses know what to do and how to provide safe food for those with food allergies and intolerances.
To help enforcement officers and businesses with these new rules, the FSA has developed a range of training and education materials which can be found at www.food.gov.uk/allergen-resources
If in doubt as a consumer or business refer to SKDC’s allergen guide.
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