Allergen information will be mandatory in 2019

Just over three months remain until it becomes mandatory to inform customers about the allergens contained in the products and dishes served. According to the transitional provision of the decree approving the Regulation on food information provided to consumers (BOPA No. 6, 2017), the deadline is January 1, 2019.

The regulation allows allergen information to be provided in writing (via signage or menu notes) or verbally, as long as signs indicate that staff can provide this information. In any case, there must be a detailed and updated allergen declaration plan, listing allergens per dish, accessible to both staff and health authorities.

Customer health is at stake, so it’s essential to clearly define which allergens are present in each dish. This requires training and time: reading labels, recognizing allergens, and preparing a document summarizing the ingredients and allergens of each preparation.

To assist with this, Atènia has developed an allergy control plan and dish forms that establishments can fill out to keep all relevant information neatly organized.

It is also strongly recommended to undergo Food Handling Training focused on allergies and intolerances, to confidently apply best practices in the kitchen.