Businesses have been reminded of the importance of clear allergen and ingredient information over the festive period.
Food businesses must provide an ingredients list highlighting any of 14 allergens for prepacked food.
But in a pub, restaurant or takeaway, the information may be provided verbally or in the form of a list.
With Christmas and New Year festivities making it one of the busiest times of year for the hospitality sector, Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service is also asking those who have food allergies or intolerances to check that food ordered does not contain an ingredient which would harm them.
The reminder follows a national day of action to make sure imported food being sold in stores around Staffordshire is safe and labelled correctly.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, said: “With lots of festive work parties, nights out and family get togethers being planned in the run up to Christmas and New Year, we’re reminding people to be aware of the risks of food allergies.
“We have seen the unfortunate and sometimes fatal consequences where allergens have not been declared in food, something which led to the introduction of Natasha’s Law.
“It’s now a legal requirement for businesses to provide clear customer information regarding their food products and meals in restaurants. By doing this, they can help keep people safe when eating out over the festive period.”
