Comprehensive Food Allergen Training for UK Food Businesses
Effective: October 1, 2021
Requirement: Full ingredient list and allergen information on all Pre-Packed for Direct Sale (PPDS) foods
Examples: Sandwiches, salads, cakes made on-site and sold from the same premises
Requirement: Allergen information must be available for all food served
Methods: Written information, verbal communication, or clear signage
Penalty: Up to £5,000 fine per offence
• Maintain allergen information for all ingredients
• Update information when recipes change
• Train all staff on allergen procedures
• Keep records for inspection
• Separate preparation areas
• Dedicated equipment
• Clear cleaning procedures
• Staff awareness training
• Local authority inspections
• Mystery shopper visits
• Customer complaints
• Legal action for breaches
Food Business Operators: Must ensure allergen information is accurate and accessible
Staff: Must be trained to provide accurate allergen information
Customers: Must be informed about allergens in their food
Found in: Salads, soups, stock cubes
Risk: High - often hidden in processed foods
Found in: Wheat, rye, barley, oats
Risk: Very high - most common allergen
Found in: Prawns, crabs, lobsters
Risk: High - severe reactions common
Found in: Cakes, pasta, mayonnaise
Risk: Very high - widely used ingredient
Found in: Fish dishes, Worcestershire sauce
Risk: High - severe reactions possible
Found in: Flour, bread, pasta
Risk: Medium - becoming more common
Found in: Dairy products, chocolate, bread
Risk: Very high - most common allergen
Found in: Mussels, oysters, scallops
Risk: High - severe reactions common
Found in: Sauces, dressings, processed meats
Risk: Medium - often hidden ingredient
Found in: Almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts
Risk: Very high - severe reactions common
Found in: Peanut butter, satay sauce
Risk: Very high - severe reactions common
Found in: Bread, hummus, tahini
Risk: High - often overlooked
Found in: Soy sauce, tofu, processed foods
Risk: High - widely used in processed foods
Found in: Dried fruits, wine, processed meats
Risk: Medium - preservative in many foods