Does your business supply food that is pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS)?
From 1 October 2021, the requirements for prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) food labelling will change in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland. The new labelling will help protect your consumers by providing potentially life-saving allergen information on the packaging.
Any business that produces PPDS food will be required to label it with the name of the food and a full ingredients list, with allergenic ingredients emphasised within the list. Refer to links on the Food Standards Agency website for further information.
Guidance and materials to assist food businesses in promoting, implementing and complying with the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation, launched on 13th December 2014.
What the new rules will mean for you if you are a consumer:
You can now ask for information about 14 allergens, if used as an ingredient in the food you are buying, when you eat out.
You will see allergenic ingredients emphasised (for example, using bold, italics or colours) on pre-packed foods. This means all allergen information will be found on the ingredients list only.
What the new rules will mean for you if you are a consumer if you are a food business manufacturing pre-packed food:
You will have to emphasise allergenic ingredients (for example, by using bold, italics or colours) on the ingredients list. This means all allergen information will be provided on the ingredients list only.
Food allergy and intolerance are growing health concerns in the UK. They are life changing and in serious cases can be fatal, or lead to long-term health conditions.
From 13th December 2014, a new piece of European legislation, called the Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU FIC) means allergen information must be provided in a clearer and more consistent way on pre-packed and loose food, making it easier for you to make safer choices when buying food or eating out.
What the new rules will mean for you if you are a food business selling loose food or in food service (for example school canteens, cafes, restaurants, takeaways, caterers):
You must provide information about 14 allergens, if used as an ingredient in the food you are providing or selling. You can do this on a menu, chalkboard, website or orally, but must signpost your customers to this information.
For more Allergen information for loose foods see these technical guides produced by the Food Standards Agency:
Further Guidance
The best place for advice and information for your business is the Food Standards Agency website.
