Allergeenisäädökset

Allergeenisäädökset refers to the regulations concerning allergens, primarily in the context of food labeling within the European Union. These regulations are designed to protect consumers, particularly those with food allergies or intolerances, by ensuring that they are clearly informed about the presence of common allergenic ingredients in food products.

The core of these regulations is the requirement for businesses to identify and clearly label the presence of 14 specific allergenic substances or products thereof. These include cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, lupin, and molluscs. This list is periodically reviewed and updated based on scientific evidence and consumer health concerns.

The regulations mandate that these allergens must be highlighted in the ingredient list, for example, by using a different font, style, or background color. For pre-packaged foods, this information must be clearly visible on the packaging. For non-pre-packaged foods, such as those sold in restaurants or at markets, information about allergens must be made available to consumers through other means, such as a written notice or verbally from staff.

Enforcement of allergeenisäädökset is typically carried out by national food safety authorities. Non-compliance can result in penalties, including fines and withdrawal of products from the market. The aim is to promote transparency in the food industry and empower consumers to make safe food choices.