New Food Labelling Legislation

New legislation applies from December

On the 13th December all food businesses will need to comply with new food labelling legislation which was introduced by EU law in relation to non-pre packed foods. All food business serving non-pre packed food must list the potential allergens used in the food.

Who does this law effect?

This new legislation includes and effects all early childhood care and education service that serve non-pre packed foods.

It requires all childcare services providing food for the children to list the potential food allergens contained in the meal which is being offered.

Why is this information important?

It helps protect individuals from suffering potential allergic reactions or more dangerous going into anaphylaxic shock.

What allergens are included?

Food businesses which include early childhood care and education services, must label the 14 top food allergens which are in the food they serve.

What does a service need to do?

1.    All services preparing and offering meals to the children must list the food allergens in a written format.
As the children will not be able to read this material it is essential that parents are informed of the food allergens.
The information must be easily located and accessible as well as clearly identifiable.
Think about doing up a meal plan with the allergens listed which is handed out to families on a regular basis or if you have a daily menu board writing up the allergens on this too.

2.    Put a system in place which ensures all food brought in by the service is catagorised at the outset allergen. This will help reduce the risk of food not being listed on the menus.

3.    It is advisable to inform all staff members of the new responsibilities of the service and make sure everyone working in the service, staff and volunteers are aware of the 14 food allergens.

4.   Inform your parents and families of the changes being developed and what they should expect to see in the coming weeks.

What to do if you buy in your meals from a catering company?

The catering company is responsible for labelling the food they supply. The potential allergens should be listed on the labels and then it will be up to the service as to how they inform the families of the allergens. (Please see the template menu planners above). If the catering company does not have the information on the label the service should contact their supplier as soon as possible.

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• Take the food allergy quiz….

How’s your food allergen knowledge, this quiz is trickier than you think:

https://www.safefood.eu/Allergens/Home.aspx