The rise of food intolerances and allergies is having a profound impact on the hospitality industry, with restaurants, pub and hotels forced to adapt menus to accommodate changing dietary requirements. We have rounded up the latest news on the topic, including the lowdown on the new allergen labelling laws coming into effect from 13 December 2014.
Restaurant owners have spoken out about the steps they’ve taken to comply with allergen legislation as well as cater for the growing number of customers with food allergies.
The owners of foodservice businesses are being urged to continue to abide by the EU's allergen labelling laws despite the UK's intention to leave the EU.
On the first day of Coeliac UK Awareness Week, Coeliac UK's head of food policy Kathryn Miller, outlines the practical steps hospitality operators can take to cater for customers following a gluten-free diet.
Restaurant owners are being urged to do more to educate their staff on the subject of food allergens after a survey of diners with allergies found that a quarter had suffered a reaction when eating out since allergen legislation was introduced in 2014.
The number of diners reporting lactose or gluten intolerance has risen in 2014, while the number of diners ordering vegetarian or nut-free dishes has fallen, according to data collected by food pre-ordering service TellTheChef.
The much-anticipated EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation came into force on 13 December. BigHospitality looks at what is changing, and the impact of the new law on the industry.
Only one third of hospitality businesses feel 100 per cent ready for the legislation coming into force this Saturday (13 December), according to a survey commissioned by technology supplier Caternet.
Hertfordshire pub The Alford Arms was the overall winner at the inaugural FreeFrom Eating Out Awards this week, crowned the ‘most allergen-aware’ eatery in the UK.
The cost of implementation of the new EU allergen regulations coming into force on 13 December could reach £200m a year for food businesses, according to the British Hospitality Association (BHA).
Gluten free brand BFree will now be supplying Multigrain Wraps and Ovenable Soft White Rolls to hospitality operators through frozen food distributors Central Foods.
Almost half (44 per cent) of foodservice operators are still unaware of the allergen laws due to be implemented this coming December, according to research by Unilever Food Solutions.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published draft guidance to help small and medium-sized food businesses- including pubs, hotels, bars and restaurants - comply with new allergen laws.
With the EU’s top 14 allergens labelling laws coming into effect in December 2014, efforts are being made across the industry to cater for customers with food allergies and intolerances, but more needs to be done.
