Pre-packed for direct sale
Prepacked for direct sale products are foods packed on the same premises from which they are being sold. Common foods that can fall into this category include sandwiches, salads and pies made and sold from the location they are made.
These foods need to have a label with a full ingredients list with allergenic ingredients emphasised within it. This is in line with legislation and more information is available at allergen labelling information for Prepacked for Direct Sale (PPDS).
These changes ensure that essential information is available to help people with a food allergy or intolerance make safe food choices.
Foods pre-packed for direct sale are foods prepared on the premises where they are sold. Currently for these products, allergen information can be provided in the same way as for non-prepacked (loose) foods.
This does not apply to food products made for sale at retail outlets in other locations, this is considered pre-packed and must have allergen information provided in writing.
Non-prepacked (loose) foods
If you provide non-prepacked foods, you must supply allergen information for every item that contains any of the 14 allergens. These foods include:
- foods sold loose in retail outlets e.g. loose items sold at a delicatessen counter, a bakery, a butcher’s,
- foods which are not sold prepacked e.g. meals served in a restaurant and takeaway food
You should provide a written notice placed in a clearly visible position explaining how your customers can obtain this information. You can display this allergy and intolerance sign to tell customers how they can find allergy.
When allergen information is provided as part of a conversation with a customer, this can be backed up by written information to ensure that it is accurate and consistent.
Detailed guidance on how to manage allergens in the kitchen can be found in the Safer food, better business information packs for caterers.
Food businesses must make sure that staff receive training on allergens. The Food Standards Agency provides free online training for businesses which can be accessed here
Further advice on food allergies and intolerances and managing these in your business is available on the Food Standards Agency website.