Insight
On 1 October 2021, new food information regulations will come into force in Scotland (and in other parts of the UK) extending existing allergen and other ingredient labelling requirements to foods sold prepacked for direct sale. The Food Information (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021 amend the existing Food Information Regulations to bring the changes into effect.
The new law came into being following the death in 2019 of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse due to an allergic reaction to a baguette bought at a take-way sandwich chain. This tragic event highlighted a gap in regulation relating to on-pack labelling. Many food business operators packing food for sale on the premises did highlight allergen risks through general notices but these did not necessarily refer to specific products and in some cases, did not have the prominence needed to raise awareness. The new regulations are designed to help consumers buy with confidence.
Food business operators have had around two years to prepare for the changes and many have put in place the necessary changes in process well in advance. However, the food-to-go sector in particular has been impacted by lockdowns and the change in working patterns and, for many, the changes will have been an additional cost burden at a difficult time. The benefits for affected consumers are clear and the family of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse can take some small comfort that their tragedy has led to increased awareness generally over and above the technical legislative change. Pressure is now building for an “allergy tsar” to co-ordinate efforts to improve support for people with allergic disease, including establishing allergy clinics and a register of incidents and near misses to improve prevention.
Food Standards Scotland has released technical guidance for businesses updated with the new requirements.
Natasha’s death was by no means unique but it was a catalyst for change. The new regulations have the potential to make a real difference to people lives and prevent serious incidents like it from happening again.