Food Prepacked for Direct Sale – Proposed Changes Stakeholder engagement meeting held on Friday 25th October 2019

Stephen Hendry FSS gave an overview of why the work had come about and the approach proposed in Scotland. The inquest into the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse from an allergic reaction to sesame seed, prompted a review into ways in which information about food sold prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) could be improved. This led to a consultation on options covering a non-regulatory and three regulatory approaches. Following consultation, the Food Standards Scotland Board considered the outcome and provided advice to Scottish Ministers that Scotland should work towards introducing requirements for food sold PPDS to carry the name of the food and full ingredients information. This was felt to provide greater certainty to consumers on what is in PPDS food i.e. covering the 14 allergens listed in food law and other ingredients to which consumers may also be allergic or intolerant. The Board recognised that further work is needed to assess the benefits, impacts, enforcement practicalities and any unintended consequences for all sectors. Scottish Ministers have asked FSS to assess with stakeholders how full ingredients listing can be achieved accurately and in ways that will give consumers the greater certainty sought.

In Scotland, FSS is carrying out an initial round of informal discussions with key stakeholders to gather views prior to making any changes to the food information/labelling rules. The notes of the meeting are attached

Attachments: