Research found that 70% of those with allergies avoid buying takeaways, due to fears about allergens and a lack of trust in the information they are given.  More than half of those with allergies said they avoided eating in restaurants for the same reason.
From 13th December 2014 restaurants and takeaways will be required by law to tell customers if any of the top 14 allergen ingredients are present in the foods they serve. These changes will mean consumers can feel more confident when asking about allergenic ingredients when eating out in cafes and restaurants.
Restaurants and takeaways now have to inform their customers about 14 specific allergens that range from widely known ingredients such as nuts and milk, to less widely recognised allergens including mustard and lupin seeds, which are often used in flour. Around 2 million people in the UK suffer from allergies including 2% of adults and 8% of children.
It is hoped these changes will bring about a reduction in the number of allergic reactions caused by people accidentally eating food they are allergic to.  On average 10 people die and around 5,000 are hospitalised per year due to allergic reactions. The majority of these avoidable deaths and hospitalisations are due to incorrect information being given about allergenic ingredients in foods when those with allergies are eating out – usually in a restaurant or takeaway.
This is a growing issue in the UK, with hospital admissions relating to allergies rising by 87% between 2002 and 2014. However, the same study conducted by the FSA found that half of all UK adults (51%) have either limited or no knowledge at all about the ingredients that cause allergic reactions.
Food businesses such as restaurants and cafes have been given flexibility on how they provide allergy information. This can be communicated verbally through explanations by staff or signposted to where or how more information can be found on menus or in additional leaflets.
The new EU Food Information for Consumers Regulations will also change the way allergy information appears on labelling for pre-packed foods bought in shops and supermarkets.
For more information please visit http://www.food.gov.uk/science/allergy-intolerance/