The proposal aligns best practice with ‘Owen’s Law’, which wants food outlets to put all allergy information in writing at the point of ordering to ensure customers have ‘full visibility’
The food safety watchdog is stepping up its efforts to push for restaurants and cafes to offer written allergy information on their menus.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a consultation advocating that eateries should always provide written allergen details on their menus. This push aims to bring practices into line with ‘Owen’s Law’ – a campaign for mandatory written allergy information at the point of order, championing “full visibility” for customers.
Owen Carey, 18 from Crowborough, East Sussex, tragically died in 2017 after eating a buttermilk-coated chicken burger at Byron Burger in London, despite informing the staff of his dairy allergy. At present, establishments like restaurants and cafes must inform patrons if their meals contain any of the 14 key allergens, either through written or verbal communication.
The FSA’s current move seeks input from businesses, consumers, and local bodies on the fresh proposals. Rebecca Sudworth, director of policy at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), underscored the mission of the agency, saying: “It’s a priority of the FSA to ensure that people living with a food hypersensitivity can confidently make safe and informed choices when it comes to eating out, and that they don’t feel excluded from experiencing the great food culture this country has to offer.”
She also encouraged public participation, stating: “Therefore, I encourage people to engage with this consultation. It’s a real opportunity to help shape the future of our best practice guidance for the provision of allergen information that supports both people living with a food hypersensitivity and food businesses.”
The consultation is open until November 27.
