Concern as many food outlets not providing written allergen information
THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has released the findings of an audit that shows an unacceptable level of non-compliance by food businesses when it comes to providing consumers with accurate written information on 14 specified allergens in non-prepacked food.
A representative sample of 50 food service businesses, including cafés, hotels, public houses, restaurants and takeaways, were audited to determine if correct written allergen information was being provided to consumers.
All food businesses are legally obliged to provide consumers with accurate written information in relation to 14 allergens whether the food is prepacked or non-prepacked.
Three in every 100 people in Ireland have a food allergy and they require accurate information about the food they purchase in order to avoid serious and sometimes fatal health consequences.
To stress the gravity of the audit findings and further raise awareness of the legal requirement, the FSAI announced that a national information campaign will roll out today for eight weeks.
The FSAI’s new information campaign will run across, print, online and broadcast media with strong messages to highlight the potential consequences that missing or inaccurate allergen information can have on an individual’s health.
The FSAI audited a representative sample of food businesses to determine their compliance with the legal requirements for the provision of written allergen information for their customers. The audit found:
• Almost one third (32%) of food businesses did not provide any written allergen information.
• Of the food business that provided written allergen information; just 24% actually provided accurate allergen information.
•Twenty six had either left out a foodstuff or incorrectly recorded the allergen content of the food.
•Most food businesses audited (88%) had findings that required corrective action.
The FSAI noted with concern that many of the food businesses that had not provided written allergen information stated they did not realise that the information must be made available without a consumer having to ask for it.
In some cases, the FSAI found that allergen information had been provided, but it was either inaccurate or not easily accessible for consumers without assistance from staff.
Many of the food businesses audited used online delivery companies or provided takeaway services, but there was no information provided to their customers on the allergen content of the food products being ordered and delivered.
Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive, FSAI, stated that the findings of the audit are very worrying as they indicate a lack of awareness or willingness by food service businesses to prioritise the safety of people with food allergies two years after the law came into effect.
“Allergic reactions to food make people ill and in particular situations can be fatal. Whether consumers are eating out, getting takeaways or having food delivered to their home or workplace, food businesses have a legal obligation to provide accurate food allergen information in writing.
'The level of non-compliance we have identified through this audit is a cause for major concern. Food businesses must take action immediately to protect public health and to comply with the law.
'The FSAI and enforcement officials have provided a significant level of resources and support to assist food businesses to understand the food allergens they work with on a daily basis and how they can meet their legal obligations.”