FSA board agrees to strengthen allergy information for customers when eating out

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) would like to see written allergen information be mandated for foods provided when eating out. The FSA Board met in December 2023 and will write to Ministers to discuss the Board’s view.

Meanwhile, the FSA will develop strong guidance for food businesses on how to provide written allergen information. The aim is to improve compliance from businesses whilst making it easier for people with food allergies, intolerance or coeliac disease to choose safe foods.

The Board also acknowledged that there should be an expectation for a conversation between customers and staff to ensure an added layer of protection.

The discussions followed campaigning from the Carey family whose son Owen died at the age of 18 due to anaphylaxis after he unknowingly ate food containing his allergen while eating out.

Anaphylaxis UK continues to work with most of the large restaurant chains and outlets to support their training and communications with customers about allergies. Our regular Business Forums and Business Membership programme are successfully helping to develop meaningful partnerships to help restaurants develop and improve their practices for customers with allergies.

Read more from the Food Standards Agency.