FS430727 Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL)

PAL can provide important information to food hypersensitive (FHS) consumers if the wording and format of the warning is clear and supported by a thorough risk assessment. However, where the warning is unclear and used in untargeted way - for example as a blanket disclaimer - it can reduce consumer choice, without offering any real protection and reduce overall trust in the warning, creating anxiety for consumers and impacting upon their safety.

To address the inconsistent and untargeted application of PAL we need to first improve our thinking and test a range of policy proposals with stakeholders. The aim is that a consensus is reached on the best solutions to address the issues within this complex and uncertain area of food policy.

We are looking to commission a contractor who can design and deliver a comprehensive consultation on new policy proposals. The study should be completed within 7 months of the contract being signed. The consultation will need to capture feedback from a broad range and number of stakeholders, in order for the FSA to be able to implement policies relating to PAL in future in the confidence that they have been robustly tested with stakeholders.