CITY of York Council is reminding local food businesses that they need to act in line with new rules which affect the way they provide allergen information.
From December 13 all food businesses have to verbally explain or signpost allergenic information for the food they sell or provide.
Food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions and the number of people with this condition is growing.
The primary cause of food allergy deaths in the UK is due to allergic reactions when food is consumed outside the home where allergenic ingredients have not been declared. The new rules mean that all food businesses must inform customers if any of 14 allergenic ingredients are present in the food they make or serve.
This can be communicated to customers in writing on menus, verbally through explanations by staff or signposted to where or how more information can be found.
As part of thee new rules businesses must make sure the information they provide is accurate, keep up-to-date ingredients information for any ready-made foods bought in and make sure they know what’s in the ingredients.
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