Enhance Labelling and Information Availability
Providing clear and accessible allergen information is crucial for ensuring the safety and trust of customers with food allergies. By enhancing labelling and information availability, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of allergic reactions and improve customer confidence.
Clear and Comprehensive Labelling
Ingredient Lists
All pre-packaged food items should have a full list of ingredients with allergens clearly emphasised. This is a legal requirement under Natasha’s Law for prepackaged foods for direct sale (PPDS).
Highlighting Allergens
Consumers may be allergic or have intolerance to other ingredients, but only the 14 allergens are required to be declared as allergens by food law.
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Accessible Allergen Information
Menu Labelling
For non-prepackaged foods, ensure that menus clearly indicate which items contain allergens. Use symbols or color codes to make this information easily accessible at a glance.
Digital Access
Provide allergen information online, either on your website or through a dedicated app. This allows customers to review the information before they visit or order.
Real-Time Updates
To keep allergen information current and accurate, businesses could use digital menus that can be easily updated to reflect changes in recipes or ingredients. Additionally, implementing notification systems to alert customers of any changes in allergen content due to ingredient substitutions or recipe modifications ensures transparency and safety.
Visible Signage and Instructions
In-Store Signage
Place clear signs in your establishment directing customers to where they can find allergen information or who to ask for more details. This is especially important for self-service areas and buffets.
Allergen Notices
Display notices at the point of sale to remind customers to inform staff about any allergies they have. This proactive approach helps ensure that all relevant information is communicated before the order is placed.
Training Staff on Labelling Protocols
- Staff Training: Train staff on how to read and understand ingredient labels and allergen information. This enables them to answer customer questions accurately and confidently
- Regular Updates: Keep staff informed about any changes to allergen labelling laws and best practices. Continuous education helps maintain a high standard of allergen safety
Use Technology
Allergen Management Systems
Implement allergen management software that tracks and updates allergen information across all products and recipes. This reduces human error and ensures consistency.
QR Codes
Use QR codes on menus or product labels that customers can scan to access detailed allergen information. This tech-savvy approach caters to the growing demand for digital solutions.
Customer Feedback and Engagement
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Encourage customers to provide feedback on your allergen labelling and information availability. Use this feedback to make improvements and address any gaps -
Conduct awareness campaigns to educate customers about the importance of allergen labelling and how to interpret it. This helps customers make informed decisions
Can you help Anaphylaxis UK?
Make a donation to help further our work
There are many ways to support Anaphylaxis UK and all will help to raise much-needed awareness and vital funds for our work.
Sponsor an AllergyWise School
Help your local school become AllergyWise and provide training for all staff to be a safer place for children with allergies.