SHETLAND Islands Council has reminded local food businesses to prepare for the introduction of new nation-wide labelling legislation.
From October 1, businesses in Scotland will be required to include ingredient and allergen information on the packaging of pre-packed foods for direct sale (PPDS).
PPDS refers to foods which have been packaged on site by staff for sale on the premises. This can include items such as sandwiches and salads, as well as wrapped deli meats and cheese.
The council added that the term also refers to food items which have been packaged before being offered for sale from a mobile or temporary business, such as a market stall or food truck owned by the same company.
Shetland Islands Council said, “The law will make it a mandatory requirement for food businesses to include the product name and a full list of ingredients, in descending order of weight, emphasising the allergens within that list.
“PPDS labelling should include the 14 ‘most common’ allergens specifically listed in food information law, as well as other ingredients which could trigger reactions. The legislation aims to offer increased protection and confidence for consumers living with a food allergy or intolerance.”
The legislation comes following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction in 2016 caused by a pre-packed sandwich which, at the time, did not require allergen labelling.
Food Standards Scotland confirmed that Scotland’s legislation will align with that of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which is also set to be introduced on October 1.
Hollie Liquorish of Shetland Islands Council’s environmental health team, commented, “This new legislation will make it clearer for consumers to know exactly what ingredients are present in any pre-packed food they purchase and is an important step to keep the public safe, especially for those with severe reactions to some allergens.
“There’s good information available to help businesses prepare for this and I’d urge local food businesses to take steps to plan ahead for the PPDS labelling new requirements if they’ve not already done so.”
More information on the requirements of PPDS labelling can be found on the Food Standards Scotland website.
Any Shetland-based businesses with queries on PPDS labelling can contact Shetland Islands Council environmental health service on 01595 745250 or email foodsafety@shetland.gov.uk.
