The Food Standards Agency(FSA)has initiated a UK-wide survey to compare foods that have voluntary allergen labeling with similar products that do not have such labeling.
Allergen advisory labeling,such as labeling that states'may contain nuts',is voluntary.According to the agency,many manufacturers label their products to alert consumers with allergies that a food may not be suitable for them,as it may unintentionally contain small amounts of an allergen as a result of cross-contamination during production.
The survey,which is the first of its kind in the UK,could help determine if this type of labeling is being used appropriately.
It will also evaluate the different types of advisory labeling used on processed foods.This will help to determine whether different statements,such as'may contain traces of nuts'or'made in a factory that also handles nuts',indicate different levels of risk to consumers.
Sampling will start this week and results are expected to be published in autumn 2013.FSA noted that the results will help gauge how manufacturers are using allergen advisory labelling,and whether they are following the agency's'best practice'guidance.
