Specific allergens, such as peanuts, milk and shellfish, will have to be clearly labelled on all loose foods from next month, the Department of Health has said.

New laws have been brought in by Health Minister, Leo Varadkar, as required under EU regulations. Similar measures are being signed into law throughout the EU and will come into effect on December 13.

The new regulations will cover loose food sold in shops, as well as food sold in a range of businesses, including takeaways, restaurants, pubs and food stalls.

"This is a significant measure for people who suffer from allergies to some of the most common food products. Although allergens already have to be declared on prepacked food, there is no such requirement for loose or non-prepacked products. The impact of allergens on sufferers can range from irritation, to a life-threatening reaction," noted Minister Varadkar.

He said that while many commercial outlets already provide this important information, ‘consumers with allergies cannot afford to take chances'.

"I look forward to consumers of non-prepacked foods receiving the same information as is currently available to consumers of pre-packed foods, as it will allow them to make informed choices," Minister Varadkar added.

According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), 14 food allergens specified under EU law will now have to be detailed on all loose foods. This also extends to food sold on the internet. The allergens covered by the new laws include milk, eggs, shellfish, cereals containing gluten, nuts, mustard and soybean products.

"By extending the food allergen declaration requirement to include non-prepacked or loose food, consumers can now be confident they will be able to make more informed choices about all of the food they buy," commented FSAI chief executive, Prof Alan Reilly.

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