Non-prepacked food products will have to be accompanied by information about possible substances that cause allergies or intolerances. These data must be written in a visible place that does not alter over time and must not be obscured by other written or photographic information. Such provisions are part of a bill that was presented by the Ministry of Health for public consultations, IPN reports.
According to the draft law, in public eating and other relevant places, the substances that cause allergies or intolerances will have to be written either on the menu or on a billboard, poster or screen. The names of substances causing allergies or intolerances in non-prepacked food can be accompanied by pictograms.
In the case of compound non-prepacked food products containing several components, the substances causing allergies or intolerances shall be indicated for each component and not for the product itself. Also, when non-prepackaged food is served at the buffet, information on the presence of substances that cause allergies or intolerances shall be provided for each food product apart, including in tabular form.
If the food products are ordered over the phone or online, information about possible allergens or substances that may cause intolerance shall be indicated on the distance selling platform, price label or transport packaging, including by applying pictogram stickers. Also, this information shall be communicated before placing the order, including by phone call and on delivery to the consumer. No additional fees will be charged for this.
Among the substances that cause allergies or intolerance are cereals containing gluten, shellfish, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybean, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, lupine, etc. The bill stipulates reference values for ranking these.
According to specialists, when allergens in foods are not indicated or these are indicated incorrectly or incompletely, this can generate an increase in cases of allergic reactions, including severe, anaphylactic, and also hospitalization or even death caused by accidental eating of food products containing allergens.
