Food Allergen Labelling Legislation Imminent for Irish Businesses

On October the 25th, 2011, the European Parliment and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011on the provision of food information to consumers. This Regulation requires that all prepacked and un-prepacked foods must declare the presence of specific ingredients which the EU has identified as the most common and serious causes of hypersensitive reactions. Of the many food ingredients known to cause food allergies or food intolerances, EU food law has specified a total of 14 to be declared when they have been used in the production of a foodstuff. The Regulation entered into force on the 12th of December, 2011, and applies from the 13th of December, 2014.      

The inclusion of un-prepacked foods in the Regulation necessitates caterers such as restaurants, cafes, bars, takeaways, canteens, and deli counters to provide allergen labelling for their customers. A previous industry audit, commissioned by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), showed that while some Irish food caterers are conscious of, and proactive towards the needs of customers with food allergies, much needs to be done if the catering industry as a whole is to be in a position to comply with the extended labelling requirements by December 2014.  

Since it's inception, healthpro Menu Mentoring® has been accutely aware that members of the public suffering from food allergies and intolerances lacked confidence in choosing food prepared outside of the home and that business owners needed the expertise of specialised services to implement allergen controls that would help build consumer confidence. To date, healthpro Menu Mentoring® has helped over 200 Irish food outlets to become fully compliant with the forthcoming legislation, providing a comprehensive menu allergen labelling system that facilitates clear and accurate customer information. Our clients have not only satisfied a legal obligation but have also capitalised on the unique opportunity that menu labelling provides to attract and maintain an entirely new demographic of customers.  

Find out how healthpro Menu Mentoring® can help your food business to make changes that are better for your customers and better for you by contacting us today on 086 4119222 or by email on info@healthpro.ie     

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