New food regulations come into force tomorrow

The EU Food Information for Consumers regulations apply to pre-packed or loose food.

Catering outlets, deli counters, bakeries and sandwich bars will have to provide clear allergy information to customers.

There are also changes to existing legislation on labelling allergenic ingredients in pre-packed foods.

Rachel Wilcock from Lancashire Trading Standards Service said: “More than two million people in the UK have allergies to ingredients like eggs, fish and peanuts. These include 2% of adults and 8% of children.

In severe cases, their conditions can be life threatening and can sometimes result in death.

“Food allergens cannot be removed by cooking so these new regulations will provide people with much-needed protection.

To avoid falling foul of the new rules, people who work in the food industry will need to make sure they practise good kitchen hygiene, as well as careful separation, storage and labelling of ingredients when preparing food.

“We recognise that changes like this can be daunting.

“Any businesses who would like advice on these matters can contact us through the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0845 4040 506.”