The Food Information for Consumers (FIC) Regulation
The EU Food Information for Consumers (FIC) Regulation put in place a framework for food businesses in regards to the information they provide to consumers. The aim is to enable customers, especially those with allergies, to make informed choices about what they are eating.
The Food Information for Consumers (FIC) Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011
The (FIC) states which came into effect on 13 December 2014 states that:
Identify 14 specified food allergens when they are used in the production or preparation of non-prepacked food. Member States may adopt national measures setting out the means by which this allergen information is to be provided
Most food allergy incidents are traced back to loose food products such as bakery products and meals served in a café or restaurant. Information about the allergens contained in loose food products must be provided to the consumer.
For prepacked foods, the presence of any of the 14 named food allergens must be listed as an ingredient on the products label. This is a mandatory requirement.
Consumers must be provided with information on the presence of allergenic food additives, processing aids and other substances present in a food product.
