The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a new factsheet to help caterers understand when to label food ‘gluten-free’ when the rules change next year.
The new regulations are due to come into force on 1 January 2012.
The factsheet will assist caterers and those in the hospitality industry to train their staff so that they can understand the new descriptions and exactly what they mean. This will help them explain to customers what the foods contain and how they are made.
The Agency has been working closely with Coeliac UK and other stakeholders to develop the guidance. And later this year, they will be providing specific information for consumers to help raise awareness of the new rules.
The factsheet can be found on the FSA website at www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2011/may/glutenfree.
More information on the new regulations and guidance on gluten labelling can also be found on the FSA website at www.food.gov.uk/safereating/allergyintol/label/gluten.