Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has today launched a 12 week public consultation seeking views on how allergen and ingredient information is provided by food businesses in the non-prepacked sector, such as restaurants, cafés, takeaways, bakeries and butchers.
The consultation, open until 17 May 2026, invites feedback from consumers, food businesses, trade bodies, local authority enforcement officers and any stakeholder with an interest in improving food safety and transparency for people living with food allergies, intolerances or coeliac disease.
Currently, businesses selling non-prepacked foods can provide allergen information in a variety of ways, such as verbally, on menus, signs or digital platforms. FSS is exploring how written information could be strengthened, made more consistent and more accessible for consumers across Scotland.
The consultation will also look to gather views on the availability of ingredient information for those with food sensitivities beyond the 14 mandated allergens.
The launch of the consultation follows discussions by the FSS Board on opportunities to enhance safety while maintaining flexibility for businesses, and responds to strong public interest in clearer, more reliable allergen information after a number of high profile food allergy incidents.
Stephen Hendry, Head of Labelling and Standards at FSS, said: “We want everyone in Scotland to have confidence when eating out or buying food that isn’t prepacked. For people with food allergies or intolerances, clear and reliable information is essential, not just for convenience, but for safety.
“We are asking consumers, food businesses and all interested stakeholders to share their experiences and views. Your insight will help us shape practical, effective guidance that improves transparency while supporting businesses to provide safe food for everyone.”
Responses can be submitted by email to: Calum.Yule@fss.scot, or by post to:
Food Standards Scotland, Pilgrim House, Old Ford Road, Aberdeen, AB11 5RL.
The full consultation document and response form are available on our website.