Foodservice operators and suppliers unite for allergy awareness conference
Foodservice operators, suppliers and manufacturers have joined forces with the Food Allergy Training Consultancy (FATC) to help educate the hospitality industry on changes to food allergen labelling legislation.
Sodexo, 3663 and the Food Standards Agency are among the organisations to sign up, alongside Ask Italian, Tourism South East and the Anaphylaxis Campaign.
Current EU food labelling will change in December 2014, meaning that all operators or suppliers providing food products will need to provide allergy information to customers.
There are 14 different food allergens that will need to be clearly listed in order to comply with the new laws, including on packaging, menus, shelving or information provided by staff (who will need to know the contents of each product).
Trading Standards will be enforcing the new requirements once they come into force and non-compliance could result in prosecutions.
Event organiser and founder of FATC Caroline Benjamin (pictured) commented: "I am absolutely delighted that these major organisations recognise the importance of accurate food allergy labelling, and are so keen to get involved and help others in the industry.
"The new legislation will mean significant changes for all food businesses, both large and small, and our event aims to showcase the best practice techniques, and the common mistakes to avoid. With less than four weeks until the event, places are filling fast."
An estimated 21 million adults in the UK suffer from at least one allergy, yet many food businesses have little knowledge or expertise in this area, according to FATC, which was set up to offer training and consultancy services.
A one-day conference and ‘free from' food showcase will launch the business on 22 October at the Novotel Hotel in Southampton.
