Consumer allergen labelling research planned
Consumer attitudes to allergen labelling of foodstuffs is the subject of a new research project planned by Leatherhead Food International (LFI).
The study will assess consumer understanding, response and attitudes to allergen labelling in both the retail and foodservice sectors. It will seek consumer views on retail pack 'may contain' labels, which have brought manufacturers in for criticism for using it as an 'insurance policy'. The study will also look at why some consumers avoid certain foods other than for reasons of allergenicity.
Under new European labelling rules, by the end of 2005 there should be virtually no products on the market in Europe without compliant food allergen labelling.
The legislation only covers 12 tested food allergens, which will have to be indicated by reference to the source allergen whenever they, or ingredients made from them, are used at any level in pre-packed foods, including alcoholic drinks. Just eight foods account for 90% of reactions to foods -- egg, milk, wheat, fish, crustacea, soya, tree nuts and peanuts.
The project comes against a backdrop where 2% of the adult population in the UK and 5% of children suffer from food allergies or food intolerance.
Despite 75% of allergic reactions reportedly happening outside the home, two out of every 10 people who pass through a retailer's checkout believe they are allergic to a particular food, claims LFI.
Teenagers allergic to nuts unknowingly eating takeaway curries containing these allergens is already recognised by the Anaphylaxis Campaign as one of the main sources of problems.
For more details email: fwbuafba@yrngureurnqsbbq.pbz
