EU food allergens legislation
The new Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers entered into force on 13 December 2014 with:
- a clearer and harmonised presentation of allergens (e.g. soy, nuts, gluten, lactose) for prepacked foods (emphasis by font, style or background colour) in the list of ingredients
- mandatory allergen information for non-prepacked food, including in restaurants and cafes
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 lays down harmonised requirements for the provision of information to consumers on the absence or reduced presence of gluten in food. This legislation sets out the conditions under which foods may be labelled as “gluten-free" or "very-low gluten".
For more information on “Gluten-free food”, go to the specific webpage of DG SANTE
Belgian legislation regarding allergens
For the indication of allergens in non-prepacked food, the Royal Decree of 17 July 2014 establishing provisions for the declaration of certain substances or products causing allergies or intolerances as regards non-prepacked food is applicable.
The communication of information regarding allergens to end consumers can be either written or oral.