Local and international food supply chains can be significantly disrupted due to exceptional events such as pandemics, natural disasters, wars, famines among others. In these situations, people often have no choice but to buy what is available. For those living with food allergy, the lack of choice can be frightening, especially when food labels are unclear or incomplete. A single unlabelled allergen on the packaging can turn a stressful situation into a medical emergency. Consumers with food allergies must always be fully aware about the food they are about to purchase, including during emergencies.
EFA food allergy community has brought the patients’ perspective on this topic to the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL), through a consultation on the development of a key global guideline on food labelling during emergencies.
No exceptions for allergy safety
Flexibility in food labelling may be needed in emergencies, but legal labelling requirements related to health and safety must always apply. EFA strongly opposes any derogations and ill practices on allergen labelling, reminding Codex of the recent example where sunflower oil shortages led to a replacement with allergenic ingredients. In some European countries, these were only listed as “vegetable oils and fats”, creating uncertainty for consumers with food allergy.
Digital information cannot replace labels
Even in emergencies, people must be able to read clear and accurate allergen information directly on the product they buy. If digital tools are used to share additional information, they must be duly updated to reflect any emergency changes and avoid outdated or misleading information.
Transparent communication and consumer feedback
Emergency measures can only work if consumers understand them. EFA called for clear communication through all channels, explaining why measures are introduced, which products or sectors are affected and which communities might face high risks.
Consumers should not just receive information, but they should also be able to react. This is why a public mechanism must be in place to collect reports of problems, concerns, or disruptions linked to emergency measures to fix possible mistakes.
Stakeholders must help reach affected communities
In emergencies, patient organisations, consumer groups and healthcare professionals play an important role in reaching people who might not have easy access to official updates. EFA emphasised that these stakeholders must be formally involved in information sharing to ensure that no one is left without necessary updates related to allergens.
We thank our Food Allergy Working Group members - Food Allergy Italia and the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB) for their expertise and contributions. EFA will continue working with our community to ensure that even in time of crisis, food labelling remains clear, reliable and safe for people living with allergy.
Read EFA's full response here.