Almost half (44%) of foodservice operators are still unaware of the allergen laws due to be implemented this coming December, according to research by Unilever Food Solutions.
Additionally, over half (53.7%) of respondents were unable to even identify the allergens included in the law, despite 80% admitting they were asked for information by customers ‘sometimes’ or ’frequently’.
A majority (87%) of operators felt that the changes have not been well communicated by the government, but 53% said they would ask more questions about allergens to their suppliers.
Wendy Duncan, technical manager for Unilever Food Solutions, said: “It’s apparent from our research and queries we’re getting from our customers that operators are concerned about the new legislation. Only a third of businesses said they felt ready for the change; 85% of caterers told us that they would like a handbook to help them prepare and 44% believe they need to invest more in training.”
When it comes to where operators are getting information on the law, 38.6% said they had read about it in the media, a third had heard about it from the Food Standards Agency, and only 13% had received it from their environmental health officer.
The decision to extend the allergen regulation already in place for packaged food to the foodservice sector was announced in October 2011, giving operators three years to make the necessary adjustments.
The law will come into force on 13 December 2014, requiring operators to answer any questions from customers on the presence of: eggs, milk, crustaceans (shellfish), molluscs, fish, peanuts, sesame, soya, sulphur dioxide, nuts, cereals containing gluten, celery, mustard and lupin.
