FDF Guidance on 'Allergen'-Free and Vegan Claims
This UK guidance, supported by the Food Standards Agency, aims to inform both the wider food industry and consumers as to the difference between 'allergen'-free claims (e.g. milk-free) and vegan claims. Each claim communicates to different consumer groups, with only the allergen absence claim being food safety information.
The provision of this information aims to dispel any misunderstanding that a
vegan claim
automatically means a food product is safe and suitable for an allergic
consumer. The document details
the current legal frameworks that regulates the use of these voluntary claims
and how it may develop
going forward. It also signposts to resources and positions from other relevant
stakeholders both in the
UK and EU.
Download: Guidance on 'Allergen'-Free and Vegan
Claims
Foreword
“The FSA warmly welcomes the FDF's work to improve the clarity of allergen
information
provided to consumers. Getting this right is essential to ensure that food is
safe for people living with
food allergy or intolerances. This new guidance makes clear the requirements for
free-from claims for
egg and milk, and it also contains important clarifications about vegan
labelling, which will help prevent
shortcuts and other claims inadvertently leading people with food
hypersensitivity to make the wrong
food choices. It is very important that industry continues to make sure food
hypersensitive consumers
are informed and protected.”
Heather Hancock, Chairman of the Food Standards Agency
Last reviewed: 19 Feb 2020