Free food allergy training offered to businesses ahead of October law change
Winchester City Council is offering businesses across the district free food allergy training ahead of new legislation which comes into effect on 1 October 2021. ‘Natasha’s Law’ is the legal requirement to provide allergen information for consumers on pre-packed foods (PPDS).
The free online introduction training sessions, delivered by the Food Allergy Awareness Programme, will run on 22 September, 12 October and 16 November. In-person Level 2 CIEH training will run on 1 October, 27 October and 30 November at Guildhall Winchester from 9am to 2pm.
The introduction and in-person sessions will be available to all businesses selling PPDS, they will cover:
-
The legal requirements to provide accurate allergen information for PPDS
-
Control measures that are needed to reduce the risk of allergenic contamination
-
How to communicate allergen information to the free-from customer
Spaces on the training courses are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis so businesses are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
To book visit: https://foodallergyaware.co.uk/events/
Cllr Lynda Murphy, the city council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, said:
“On 1 October 2021 the law on allergen labelling for pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) foods will change. This means that any food business selling PPDS foods will have to include full ingredients on the product label with allergenic ingredients emphasised within that list. We are conscious that local businesses have faced many changes over the last 18 months so we are subsidising this training to help them improve their understanding of food allergens.”
Cllr Martin Tod, Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery, added:
“The Winchester District already has an excellent reputation for local produce and fine food. In providing this training for businesses we also aim to make the city a safer and more inclusive environment for customer with food allergens and enable them to eat and drink with confidence in the Winchester district.”
Information about food allergens can be found here: www.food.gov.uk/allergen-labelling-changes-for-prepacked-for-direct-sale-ppds-food.
Sign up to our business newsletter for news about future funding and business support here: www.winchester.gov.uk/business/winchester-business-bulletin.
ENDS
Notes to editors
-
For Communications queries please contact Winchester City Council’s Communications Team at communications@winchester.gov.uk
-
For further information about Food Allergy Aware training courses contact Caroline Benjamin at Marketing@fatc.co.uk or 0773637292
-
For information about Winchester City Council’s Health Protection team contact Mike Greenwood mgreenwood2@winchester.gov.uk or 01962 848121