Have your say on proposed improvements to allergen information on food sold prepacked for direct sale

Food Standards Scotland is running a consultation until 4 December 2020 on the proposed amendments to the Food Information (Scotland) Regulations 2014 to require food sold prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) to be labelled with the name of the food and ingredients information.

This consultation aims to improve information about the allergens and other ingredients in these foods, which are broadly speaking  packaged at the same place they are being sold before being offered to consumers. Please see the consultation letter for more details.

Examples of PPDS foods include:

• Sandwiches placed into packaging by the food business and sold from the same premises
• Foods that are pre-weighed and packed such as cheese or meats from a deli counter or baked goods from an in-store baker
• Fresh pizzas from a deli counter, for example on a cardboard tray and wrapped in plastic
• Boxed salads

The new allergen labelling requirements are intended to apply to PPDS foods in Scotland from 1 October 2021.

FSS is also consulting on technical guidance for food businesses on providing information on substances and products causing food allergies and intolerances.

A partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment concerned with the costs and impacts of these amendments accompanies this consultation.

We welcome views from food businesses, local authorities, consumers (particularly those with, or who buy food on behalf of someone with, a food allergy or intolerance), health professionals and other stakeholders.  

A summary of responses will be published on our website within three months of the end of the consultation period.

England, Northern Ireland and Wales have already made domestic legislation which is due to come into force on 1 October 2021.