Food allergens
When someone has a food allergy, eating the smallest amount of food can be life-threatening. So, if you serve food to customers who have informed you that they have a food allergy you need ensure you provide them with accurate information so they can make an informed choice about level of risk.
Attending to a customer’s food allergy request is legally required under the Food Act 2008. It can help build customer loyalty and be good for business. Consumers have a legal right to receive, on request, written or verbal information on allergen content when buying takeaway foods or eating out.
It is important that a food business understands the requirements on food allergens.
Refer to food allergens for food businesses for more information.
Food labelling
Food may not be safe to eat if it is not labelled in the correct way, or has ingredients not allowed in food sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Having the correct label on food sold in Australia and New Zealand means food can be recalled if there are risks to consumers who eat it. For example, if there is an allergen in the food that is not listed on the label, to warn consumers it is in the food.
It is important that any businesses that plans to manufacture and sell food understands the requirements for food labelling.
Refer to food labelling for more information.