Specialised Businesses, Institutions and Organisations

Specialised Businesses, Institutions and Organisations

There are exceptional situations where the effective provision of written food allergen information for non-prepacked foods may require special arrangements.

Childcare facilities frequently prepare meals for the children in their care and so are required to provide written food allergen information. However, young children are not in a position to understand or appreciate written food allergen information and therefore, it is necessary that this information is provided to the parent or guardian, particularly when new or altered menu items are made available.

Healthcare facilities must be in a position to provide written food allergen information to patients who consume their meals outside of the regular dining areas, such as in their room or ward. This is most effectively achieved by providing the information on menus, though other written formats are also acceptable. For patients who are not in a position to understand or appreciate written food allergen information, their carers or guardians should be provided with the written information in the interests of those patients.

Individuals in detention centres that are not able to access general dining area(s) must be provided with written food allergen information, particularly when new or altered menu items are made available.

The requirement to provide food allergen information for non-prepacked food applies to food for sale or made available free of charge. Therefore, charitable institutions or other organisations that provide food at no cost, either at central locations or delivered to homes or individuals, must provide written food allergen information.

The provision of written allergen information at central locations will be similar to that for restaurants. However, written information may need to be supplemented by verbal communication relating to relevant food allergens in certain circumstances.