FIR webinar
David Pickering
David Pickering, team leader of the Trading Standards Institute, pledged his organisation will take a “proportionate and reasonable view” when policing the new labelling rules.
Pickering chose the following questions:
“Is there a mechanism for us to discuss the label design with a body, if we are unable to fill all the mandatory information on the pack and take a sensible approach?” Nitesh Hah, export manager at Geeta’s Foods
Pickering: “If you have a presence in the UK, I would suggest you talk to the local authority in which you are based. They will explain to you how they operate advice to businesses. It may also be worth considering the idea of a Primary Authority Partnership or checking the Better Regulation Delivery Office website for more details.”
“There is a possibility of allergens presence due to cross contamination. How should these allergens be mentioned?” Lina Domvrou, research and development technical support manager, Pami SA
“What about allergens which product have a ‘may contain' – can those be listed separately as they've used to be?” Sylwia Ratynska, technologist at the Food Service Group
Pickering answered both questions: “You should follow the guidance in the Food Standards Agency ‘may contain’ guidance document. The most important thing to keep in mind is what the potential risks of cross contamination are, and to have a recorded risk assessment of these.
“This information will inform how you label and will also help you deal with any potential challenges to your label.”
“Can excess stock of products with non-compliant labelling still be used after the December 13 deadline?” Elizabeth Graham, retail manager at Tate & Lyle Sugars
Pickering:“The general transition provision is in Article 54 and says foods placed on the market or labelled prior to December 13 2014 which do not comply with the requirements of this regulation may be marketed until the stocks of the foods are exhausted.”