Pembrokeshire County Council launches allergen guide for hot drink vendors 

Recent findings from an investigation conducted by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Food Safety Standards Team has highlighted a significant area for improvement for food businesses. 

The council’s analysis of samples from a selection of food premise revealed that a high percentage of drinks marketed as dairy-free contained milk. Specifically, 83% showed traces of milk, and concerningly, 67% had levels of milk protein that could potentially cause harm for someone with a milk allergy. 

In response to these findings, Pembrokeshire County Council has reached out to the businesses involved to understand the causes. They have also developed a free advice leaflet for food business owners. 

This resource offers practical guidance on how to ensure the safe preparation of allergen-free drinks. It covers key areas such as: 

• Understanding food safety laws related to allergen information. 

• Clear communication with customers about allergens in their drinks. 

• The importance of thorough cleaning procedures, including coffee machine hygiene. 

• Best practices for storing and preparing allergen-free ingredients to prevent cross-contamination. 

This is a positive step forward to creating a safer environment for customers with milk allergies and also in supporting businesses with their allergen management protocols.  

More information can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website. 

Managing allergens effectively is crucial for protecting customers and ensuring compliance with best practices. Our AllergyWise® Improvement Programme provides expert guidance, practical tools, and ongoing support to help your team stay informed and confident in allergen management. Find out more.