UKHospitality said the new guidance offers businesses flexibility and will ensure allergen information remains readily available for customers.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has today issued best practice guidance on providing allergen information to consumers.
The guidance says that written allergen information should always be available, supported by dialogue between servers and customers about their allergen requirements.
In extensive engagement and consultation with the FSA, UKHospitality highlighted the need for a flexible approach that accounts for the wide variety of operating models across the hospitality sector. These calls have been reflected in the FSA’s guidance issued today.
Members can read our breakdown of the new guidance
Allergen guidance from the FSA
Our response
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “Allergen management remains one of the biggest priorities for hospitality businesses.
“As a sector we go to great lengths to ensure our teams are trained and information is available to ensure that every customer with an allergy feels comfortable and safe eating out.
“Flexibility is critical to that, as is a common sense approach to implementing the guidance.
“Businesses will already have written allergen information available, but some may prefer a digital format, for example, and those decisions are best made by venues who know what will work for them.
“I’m pleased the FSA has reflected that in its guidance, as well as recognising the importance of a conversation between hospitality staff and the customer. Being able to manage allergens safely in a way that works for each business is absolutely essential and was one of the key pillars of our engagement in this process.”
