Food businesses in Stone and across Staffordshire are being reminded of their legal responsibilities to keep customers with allergies safe.
Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team has issued the reminder ahead of Food Allergy Awareness Week, which starts on Wednesday 20 May.
The advice applies to restaurants, cafés, takeaways and food retailers, as well as smaller and home based businesses. That includes people making bespoke cakes from home kitchens, selling food at markets or events, or operating cake sheds from private driveways.
Trading Standards says food safety law still applies even where a business is small, hobby based, or working on tight margins.
Under Natasha’s Law, businesses must provide full ingredient labelling for food that is prepacked for direct sale, with any of the 14 major allergens clearly highlighted.
This can include food prepared and packaged before being sold from places such as cake sheds, market stalls and similar outlets.
Food businesses also have a responsibility to provide accurate allergen information to customers, either in writing or verbally, when food is being sold in restaurants, cafés and takeaways.
Councillor Anthony Screen, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, said
“It’s vital that food businesses take the rules surrounding allergens seriously. For people living with allergies, clear and accurate information is a lifeline that can prevent serious harm or even save lives. This is not optional.
“Natasha’s Law places a legal duty on food businesses, and we expect those responsibilities to be met in full. Our Trading Standards team will continue to work with businesses and, where necessary, take firm action against those who fall short.
“We want customers in Staffordshire to feel confident when buying food and safe while eating it wherever they go.”
Trading Standards is also advising people with severe food allergies to make outlets aware of any allergies when booking and again on arrival, ask questions about ingredients and preparation methods, check menus for allergen information, and always carry any necessary medication.
Concerns about improper food labelling can be reported online through the Trading Standards Report It webpage or by calling 01785 330356.
