Only one-third of food and beverage are ready for the changes to allergen laws that come into force on Saturday with 67% citing concerns about the impending legislation and 20% of businesses admitting they have done nothing to prepare.
The results of a survey by F&B technology firm Caternet highlight the uncertainty and fears experienced by both catering and food and beverage companies.
It shows that only 5% of businesses have no impending concerns about the changes; while 47% of managers in the sector say although they are ‘uncertain’ about the changes, they have some plans in place but admit to be unsure about managing the changes going forward.
For 60% of F&B/catering managers, fears stem from the level of detail required to keep on top of the changes on a daily basis. This is further magnified by 49% who say they worry about the pressure it will put on the internal resources of their already over-stretched teams. Almost one third (27%) are also concerned about the cost implication these changes will have on their business.
Of the one in five (20%) of businesses that admitted having no plans in place yet to respond to the changes, reasons ranged from ‘not getting around to it yet’, some waiting until the last minute to respond and some managers say they haven’t considered it yet.
Jerry Brand, Managing Director at Caternet said: “It’s interesting that when it comes to adapting to change, most things come down to time and money, but our research shows that it is the physical management of this new legislation that is really worrying people right now; cost is a factor, but the big one is how do I keep on top of these changes for the long term? With the amount of information and detail involved, that can understandably seem like quite a daunting prospect.”
The survey revealed that only 5% of F&B/catering managers have no concerns at all about the changing regulations proving it is an industry-wide concern for most.
Brand said: “It is concerning that as many as 20% of companies have yet to act on these changes, it’s vital that plans are put in place, both to action the changes and manage them efficiently in the future – this won’t go away, the legislation is here to stay and as an industry we need to prepare for that and act now.”
All food businesses will be required, from Saturday 13 December, to provide allergy information on food sold unpackaged, in for example catering outlets, deli counters, bakeries and sandwich bars. There will also be changes to existing legislation on labelling allergenic ingredients in pre-packed foods.
For full information on the requirements visit http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1855/contents/made
