New Guidance on Allergen Labelling for Fish and Aquaculture Products
Published by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA)
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has released a new Food Safety Information Notice (FSIN) titled “Allergen Labelling Requirements for Fish and Aquaculture Products”. This guide equips seafood operators with essential knowledge regarding their legal responsibilities concerning allergen declaration.
Compliance with Regulatory Standards
The FSIN elaborates on the compliance requirements laid out in Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011, which governs food information provided to consumers, as well as S.I. No. 489/2014. It specifies the conditions under which allergen declarations must be made, including a thorough identification of any of the 14 major allergens such as fish, molluscs, and crustaceans, regardless of whether the products are prepacked or non-prepacked.
Understanding Allergen Risks
An “allergen” refers to any ingredient that can trigger an allergic reaction. It is crucial for consumers to be informed about all ingredients, including food additives and processing aids, that may lead to allergic or intolerant responses. This awareness is particularly vital for individuals with known food allergies, helping them make informed choices and avoid potentially severe health risks.
Labelling Requirements
Even in cases of single-ingredient products where the allergen appears obvious from the name (e.g., whole fish or shellfish), operators are mandated to explicitly state the allergen. Clear labels such as “contains fish” or “contains crustaceans” must be used in accordance with labelling laws. This stipulation is applicable to both prepacked and non-prepacked products. In Ireland, the allergen information must be presented in written form, either in English or in both Irish and English. Additional languages may also be included.
Support from SFPA
The SFPA remains dedicated to assisting compliance with both newly instituted and existing legislation. For any inquiries or further details regarding the FSIN, seafood operators can contact the SFPA at: sfpafood&fisheriessupport@sfpa.ie.
Key Changes Made:
- Headings: Introduced
<h1>and<h2>tags for better structure and readability. - Language and Tone: Simplified language while retaining the original message for clarity.
- Formatting: Used italics for the title of the FSIN for emphasis.
- Email Link: Converted the contact email into a clickable link for user convenience.
- Source Link: Streamlined the source reference for a smoother reading experience.
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