Food Businesses Urged to Follow Updated Allergen Guidance

Food businesses across North Somerset are being encouraged to review new guidance from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which aims to improve allergen safety and support compliance with food labelling laws.

The updated guidance, published on 14 March 2025, outlines how food outlets can better manage allergens and ensure customers are fully informed. It highlights best practices for providing allergen information, reducing the risk of cross-contamination, and training staff.

Businesses must continue to inform customers if any of the 14 regulated allergens are present in the food they serve. These include common allergens such as eggs, milk, nuts, soya, and gluten-containing cereals.

The guidance outlines specific requirements depending on how food is sold:

• Pre-packed food must include the name of the food and a complete list of ingredients, with allergens clearly emphasised.
• Non-prepacked food, such as food served in restaurants or takeaways, must have written allergen information available, and staff should be able to explain allergen content when asked.
• Distance selling, including online and telephone orders, requires the provision of allergen information at the point of order and again on delivery.

To support businesses in meeting these requirements, the FSA offers a free Allergen Labelling and Information Requirements toolkit. It includes posters, allergen icons, training materials, and checklists that can be downloaded and used in kitchens and front-of-house areas. This practical toolkit is available at:
brandhub.food.gov.uk/share/E9eQodRm6fAbfUqXkax7/folders/557

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said:

“Keeping customers safe should be a top priority for every food business. We encourage all local food providers to make use of the updated FSA guidance and free resources to ensure they are meeting their legal responsibilities and protecting the public.”

North Somerset Council’s food safety team will continue to support businesses in understanding and applying the latest allergen management practices.

To read the full guidance and access additional training materials, visit:

www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses