Food Standards Scotland Now Aims to Improve Allergen Labeling for Food Businesses, Supporting Tourism and Culinary Travel, Everything You Need to Know

Food Standards Scotland Now Aims to Improve Allergen Labeling for Food Businesses, Supporting Tourism and Culinary Travel, Everything You Need to Know

Food Standards Scotland Now Aims to Improve Allergen Labeling for Food Businesses, Supporting Tourism and Culinary Travel, Everything You Need to Know

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has now opened a 12-week consultation to invite views on how food businesses communicate allergen and ingredient information in the non-prepacked sector, including restaurants, cafes, takeaways, bakeries, and butcher shops. This consultation will close on May 17, 2026, and the purpose of this consultation is to invite views from a variety of stakeholders, including consumers, food businesses, local authorities, and trade associations, to improve food safety and help people with food allergies, intolerances, or coeliac disease.

Improving Allergen Information for Food Safety and Transparency

The consultation aims to address concerns about the current allergen information practices in the non-prepacked food sector. At present, businesses selling non-prepacked foods are allowed to provide allergen information in various formats, including verbally, on menus, through signage, or via digital platforms. However, the FSS is exploring ways to strengthen, standardize, and improve the accessibility of written allergen and ingredient information across Scotland. The goal is to ensure that consumers, particularly those with food sensitivities, have clear and reliable access to crucial information to make informed decisions about the food they consume.

Food allergies and intolerances can have severe consequences for those affected, and the need for accurate, consistent allergen information is crucial for public safety. The consultation will focus on how written allergen details can be more consistently communicated, ensuring that the information is both comprehensive and accessible to all consumers.

Gathering Input from a Range of Stakeholders

The FSS consultation is open to a diverse range of stakeholders. This includes consumers who have food allergies, intolerances, or coeliac disease, as well as food businesses that are responsible for preparing and serving non-prepacked food. Local authority enforcement officers, trade bodies, and other organizations involved in food safety are also encouraged to participate.

The FSS aims to collect valuable feedback from these stakeholders on how allergen information is currently provided, what improvements can be made, and how food businesses can be supported in offering safe food to customers with food sensitivities. By engaging with various groups, the FSS hopes to create a balanced approach that prioritizes safety while considering the operational flexibility that food businesses need.

Expanding Allergen Information Beyond the Mandated 14 Allergens

The consultation will also address the issue of allergen information for ingredients beyond the 14 allergens currently mandated by law. People with food sensitivities may react to a wide range of ingredients that are not part of the 14 allergens specified under current food labeling regulations. The FSS is keen to explore how this information could be made available to consumers in the non-prepacked food sector, giving them more control over their dietary choices and improving their safety when dining out or purchasing food from independent food outlets.

This expansion of allergen information could be especially beneficial for travelers, tourists, and those eating out in unfamiliar settings. Visitors to Scotland often dine at local restaurants, cafés, or takeaways where they may not be familiar with the ingredients in the food. Providing comprehensive ingredient information can help ensure that people with food allergies or intolerances can dine out with confidence, regardless of where they are eating.

The Role of Food Businesses in Promoting Safety

While food safety is a shared responsibility, food businesses play a critical role in ensuring that allergen information is made available and accurately communicated to customers. The FSS consultation aims to help businesses understand the best practices for providing allergen information in ways that are both practical and compliant with new guidelines. By improving communication and transparency, food businesses can help protect vulnerable consumers and foster trust in their establishments.

As the tourism industry continues to thrive in Scotland, the importance of clear allergen information for visitors becomes even more significant. Tourists with food allergies or intolerances need to feel confident when dining out, especially when exploring new regions or trying local delicacies. With clearer allergen labeling, both local residents and visitors to Scotland can enjoy their dining experiences with peace of mind.

Supporting a Growing Wellness and Travel Market

The global wellness and food tourism market is expanding rapidly, with more travelers seeking destinations that offer food experiences tailored to their dietary needs. Scotland’s growing reputation as a food tourism destination makes it important for the country to address the needs of those with food allergies and sensitivities. By providing better allergen information, Scotland can position itself as a leader in inclusive food tourism, attracting a broader range of visitors who prioritize safe and tailored dining experiences.

Tourists often visit a variety of restaurants and food outlets during their travels, and having access to reliable allergen information is essential for ensuring a positive experience. Scotland’s commitment to improving allergen labeling will make the country more appealing to travelers seeking food destinations that cater to their dietary needs, helping to boost the local tourism industry.

The Road Ahead: Ensuring Effective Allergen Labeling

The FSS consultation is just the first step in ensuring that allergen information in the non-prepacked food sector is more reliable, consistent, and accessible. As the consultation period progresses, the FSS will analyze the feedback gathered and use it to shape practical, effective guidance for businesses in Scotland. These efforts aim to strike a balance between improving food safety for consumers and supporting food businesses with clear, actionable guidelines.

By taking these steps, Food Standards Scotland is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing public health, consumer protection, and food transparency across the country. Whether it’s dining in restaurants, ordering takeaways, or visiting local markets, individuals with food allergies or sensitivities will be able to navigate food options with greater ease and confidence.

Impact on Food Tourism in Scotland

The changes proposed by Food Standards Scotland have the potential to significantly impact food tourism in the country. With improved allergen labeling, tourists will feel more comfortable enjoying Scotland’s diverse culinary offerings. Scotland has long been known for its rich culinary traditions, and by ensuring that all visitors—regardless of dietary restrictions—have access to vital information, the country can continue to thrive as a food tourism destination.

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