Jersey to Require Allergen Labels on All Food Sales

Food businesses in Jersey will soon be required to provide clear information about ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions under new legislation approved by the States Assembly.

The updated laws support proposals from the environment minister aimed at improving safety for people with food allergies. The measures are designed to ensure that customers can easily access details about potential allergens in the food they buy.

According to the government, the regulations will place a clear responsibility on food businesses to make sure their products are safe. They will also introduce better systems for tracing food products if a recall becomes necessary and require checks at key stages of production to help raise overall food safety standards.

The rules are expected to come into force later this year, once a start date has been set by the next States Assembly following the election in June.

Environment Minister Deputy Steve Luce welcomed the decision, saying the changes would modernise Jersey’s food safety system and bring it more closely in line with standards used in the UK and the European Union.

He added that the government would focus on working with local businesses to help them understand and meet the new requirements, stressing that enforcement would only be used as a last option.

Deputy Luce also expressed hope that the incoming minister after the election would ensure the regulations are implemented without delay, thanking those involved in developing the legislation and supporting the changes