 Precautionary allergen labelling, also known as PAL, is a challenge for businesses and consumers who both find it confusing and not fit for purpose. PAL is a voluntary statement that businesses can choose to apply to food products where there is a risk of allergen cross- contamination. Although there are a number of labelling terms used, the most common phrase is ‘may contain’, and the information can be provided verbally, on signs, and on menus, depending how the food is sold the FSA is looking for your ideas for approaches to this labelling that is workable for businesses and which also improves consumer choice and trust.
Current labelling legislation requires that food products should indicate the presence of any of the 14 main allergens used as an ingredient or processing aid. However, in cases where there is a risk of unintentional allergen cross-contamination (for example where multiple foods are prepared in the same kitchen), and the food business has established the risk cannot be sufficiently controlled, it is best practice for a precautionary allergen label statement to be used to communicate this risk.
Your feedback will assist in potential approaches for labelling on prepacked and non-prepacked food so that the information is communicated more clearly and consistently for consumers. Any solution has to be feasible for food businesses and keep consumers safe without unnecessarily limiting their food choice. The Agency would specifically like to hear from businesses in the retail, catering and manufacturing sectors, plus allergy charities and advocates, the clinical profession and academics, local authorities and any other organisations or institutions who have an interest in food hypersensitivity.
Further details can be found on the FSA website and you can respond online. Closing date for responses is 14 March 2022.
 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th March
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