Non-Compliant Allergen Food Labelling 

A recent investigation from the BBC revealed that TikTok users are selling snacks and sweets without meeting legislative standards. By law, if you offer food or drink pre-packaged for direct sale (PPDS), then you must include full ingredient declarations on the pack, with any of 14 regulated allergens clearly highlighted. New guidance was added this March; providers of non-prepacked products should also make consumers aware of the presence of any allergens in writing, as well as verbally. (Read more here) 

Responding to the accusations, TikTok claimed they had processes in place, however, it is still possible to sell food on the platform without providing any ingredient or allergy information. For instance, on TikTok Shop, “spices” or “flour” were listed as allergen information, which would far from meet the standards necessary for compliance and food safety.

Consequently, Simon Williams, chief executive of Anaphylaxis UK, warned allergy sufferers: "If the ingredient and allergen information isn't there, don't buy it. You're putting your life in grave danger." (interview on the BBC)

Viral Food Trends

TikTok is home to many viral food trends, from cloud bread to baked feta pasta, and more recently, the "Dubai chocolate" bar. Inspired by the dessert, Knafeh, this viral trend combines the flavours of chocolate, pistachio and tahini with filo pastry. With a string of imitators, it became so popular it often sold out in minutes! (BBC)

Now the FSA is warning about buying imported Dubai-style chocolate, which may not be intended for sale in the UK and thus not meet the country’s high food safety standards. It could be that the retailers or sellers are not following allergen labelling regulations and pose a risk to those with food allergies.

Although the FSA states most Dubai-style chocolate in the UK is safe, working with local authorities they have identified products that may pose a risk, including additives and colourings not allowed in the UK. 

Products made to UK standards should have labels in English containing the following information, according to the FSA:

• “the name of the food (e.g. milk chocolate with pistachio paste filling);  
• a list of ingredients, with allergens emphasised;  
• the weight of the food in grams;  
• a best before or use by date;   
• the name and address of the UK or EU business responsible for the product information. If the food is not from the UK or EU, the name and address of the importer must be included.” (FSA)

If this information is missing, the FSA's advice is clear: do not consume the product, especially if you have an allergy or intolerance.

Joining the debate, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has called on the Government to ensure the UK's food safety framework is fit for purpose. The rise of food businesses selling via social media platforms is perhaps inevitable, raising questions about whether regulations need to be future-proofed. For the CIEH, this should include introducing a 'permit to trade' for all registered food businesses to ensure one cannot operate unless the necessary food safety measures are in place.

Are You Protecting Your Business Reputation and Customers? 
Around 2.4 million - 6% of the UK adult population - are estimated to have a clinically confirmed food allergy, according to the FSA. (Erudus) Shockingly, 56% of people with allergies say they have had an allergic reaction from mislabelled food products, (GS1 Study, 2024) highlighting the absolute importance of getting allergen labelling right the first time, every time.

This is not only to meet legal compliance and maintain your business reputation, but of course, to protect the health of your customers. 

Our award-winning Labelling Software, Label Logic Live is here to help by allowing businesses of all sizes to stay compliant on food labelling, no matter how the legislation changes. It’s the user-friendly way to create food labels online and easy to get started with no start-up costs or specialist equipment required. 

Start your free trial today! 

If you have any questions about food labelling, get in touch.