Allergen Labelling Changes: Are Your Labels Updated?
Understanding Food Allergies
Food Allergy is an abnormal immune response that occurs immediately after consuming certain foods. Ingesting even a very small quantity of allergy-causing food can trigger adverse reactions in the body.
According to the World Allergy Organization (WAO), food allergy is a disease that has been increasing over time across the world. One of the best practices for preventing food allergy is strict avoidance.
What Changed in India?
Previously: India did not have any mandatory allergen labelling requirements.
Now: FSSAI has updated the labelling requirements to help consumers make informed choices about the food they consume.
8 Major Allergens - Mandatory Declaration Required
Any food containing one of the following allergens in concentrations of 10 mg/kg or more must have an allergen declaration on the label:
Exception: Raw agricultural commodities are exempt from allergen labelling
"May Contain" Statement
If there are chances of allergen presence due to cross-contamination, they shall be declared separately as "May Contain" statement on the label.
Requirements for Food Service Establishments
The following establishments must provide allergen information on menu cards or boards using easily understood symbols:
Important Deadline
FSSAI deadline for compliance: 17th November 2021
All Food Business Operators (FBOs) must comply with new labeling regulations
Action Items
- Review and update all product labels
- Update menu cards with allergen information
- Add nutritional information where required
- Start compliance process immediately
Global Context: Several countries including India, US, UK, and Australia have recently enacted regulations for food allergen labeling. However, there is variation between different countries with regards to the regulations that govern food allergen labeling.