Food Allergy Labelling Rules 2014

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New Food Allergy Labelling Rules

The Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 are the new Food Allergen labelling rules and they came into force in the UK in December 2014.

The new Food Allergy Labelling Rules have been brought in so that the estimated 2 million people in the UK who have food allergies can buy food and eat out at restaurants and takeaways with more confidence.  The Rules should make it easier for allergy sufferers to ask about the presence of any allergenic ingredients in food when eating out.

100% of our Food Allergy Claims are made on a No Win No Fee basis which means that you do not have to worry about any financial risk at all as if your Food Allergy Claim is unsuccessful it will not cost you anything. 

What are the Changes to the Food Allergen Labelling Rules?

Restaurants and takeaways as well as shops and supermarkets which sell prepacked foods must now warn customers about the main 14 food allergens which are present in the food they serve to customers.

The 14 food allergens are:

  1. Celery
  2. Cereals containing gluten
  3. Crustaceans
  4. Eggs
  5. Fish
  6. Lupin
  7. Milk
  8. Molluscs
  9. Mustard Nuts
  10. Peanuts
  11. Sesame Seeds
  12. Soya
  13. Sulphur Dioxide (aka Sulphites)

To make a Food Allergy Claim, get in touch with our No Win No Fee Solicitors on freephone 0800 652 0586 or click the “Free Enquiry” button for an immediate call back.

The Food Standards Agency

Have a look at the FSA’s handy Food Allergen Poster which neatly explains all the risks.

The FSA said about the new Rules:

“It is hoped the new laws will reduce the number of reactions caused by people accidentally eating food they are allergic to. On average, 10 people die and about 5,000 people are hospitalised per year due to allergic reactions.  The majority of these avoidable deaths and hospitalisations are caused by incorrect information being given about allergenic ingredients in foods when eating out.”

“This is a growing issue in the UK, with hospital admissions relating to allergies rising by 87 per cent between 2002 and 2014.  Food businesses such as restaurants and cafes have been given flexibility on how they provide allergen information.  This can be communicated through explanations by staff or signposted to where or how more information can be found in writing (for example, on menus or in additional leaflets) or verbally.”

100% No Win No Fee Food Allergy Claim

Chun-Han Chan who is a food allergy expert at the FSA said about the new Rules:

 “These new measures will make it simpler for those with allergies to buy and consume food. Allergies can be fatal for some people and this is why it is vital that food businesses give their customers information they can trust.”

 Guidance on Labelling Food Allergens

The British Retail Consortium and the Food and Drink Federation have released guidance on the new Food Allergen Labelling Rules and the new labelling requirements for prepacked foods.  Read the BRC’s Guidance here.

Chat to our No Win No Fee Solicitors on freephone number 0800 652 0586

Allergic Reactions Explained by Dr Lucy Smyth

Dr Lucy Smyth, Biomedical Sciences Lecturer at Salford University said:

“Typical foods such as peanuts, milk, eggs, various fruit and vegetables including tomatoes and potatoes, can produce allergic reactions that can be mild or extremely severe depending on how the person’s immune system reacts, or how hypersensitive they are.”

“A mild reaction can arise locally in the gut, but if the allergens are absorbed into the blood stream, it can cause allergic reactions elsewhere in the body, which can be serious and can cause an anaphylactic shock.”

“In the case of food allergy, the food can be absorbed via the gut and the allergen circulated throughout the body. This is why food allergy can be so dangerous as large numbers of mast cells throughout the body can by exposed to the circulating food allergen and so elicit a disproportionately large reaction; which can result in anaphylaxis and or breathing difficulties.”

“A person with a food allergy has to be absolutely vigilant about what they are eating. If someone thinks they might have an allergy, they can see their GP to find out if a skin prick test is appropriate for them to help identify what they’re allergic to. This will help them be even more vigilant in avoiding dangerous foods.”

“Avoiding certain foods can be easy when eating at home, but more difficult when eating out. For example, foods cooked among other foods containing the allergens can also affect the person who is allergic.”

Chat to our No Win No Fee Solicitors on freephone number 0800 652 0586. 

Meeting Us

We have already won significant compensation for clients who have made Food Allergy Claims.

We are able to give you immediate legal representation, rehabilitation and treatment no matter where you are in England, Scotland or Wales. We also provide urgent:

  • Home visits
  • Hospital visits for those who are unable to meet us at home
  • Face to face meeting at one of our private meeting rooms based in most UK cities

If you think that you have a Food Allergy Claim, would like to have a chat about a potential Food Allergy Claim or just require further information, contact us now.

because……if you don’t ask you’ll never know!