New legislation, which will require food businesses in Scotland to include the product name and full ingredients, including allergen information on pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) foods was been laid in Parliament on 11 February 2021.
The new legislation will improve information about allergens and other ingredients in food packed in advance, mainly at the same place from which it’s sold, before being offered to consumers.
Examples of PPDS foods include sandwiches placed into packaging by the food business and sold from the same premises, wrapped deli counter goods such as cheese and meats, and boxed salads placed on a refrigerated shelf prior to sale.
This new requirement follows wide consultation, including engaging with business and enforcement stakeholders, and consumers on improving allergen information, to help prevent further food allergy deaths in the out of home environment.
The new law will offer increased protection and confidence for consumers living with a food allergy or intolerance in the food they buy out and about. On pack information will include the 14 ‘most common’ allergens specifically listed in food information law, as well as other ingredients which can trigger reactions.
The new law is intended to come into force on 1 October 2021 to align with the rest of the UK.
These changes are in line with those being made for England, Northern Ireland and Wales as part of a consistent approach for protecting consumers across the UK.
