Food Labelling of Allergens: The Latest Regulations in Europe and Their Effects.

Food labels serve as a critical tool for conveying essential information to consumers, particularly those with food allergies. The European Union has implemented stringent regulations mandating the clear identification of 14 priority allergens on food packaging, a crucial step in safeguarding consumer health. This paper reviews the latest regulations in Europe regarding allergen labelling, exploring the effectiveness of these regulations and their impact on consumer safety. While the regulations have led to improvements in the clarity of allergen information, challenges remain, particularly regarding the consistency and standardization of labelling practices across different brands and products. Additionally, the voluntary nature of Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL) has led to consumer mistrust and confusion, highlighting the need for more standardized and transparent labelling practices. The paper concludes by recommending further harmonization of allergen labelling regulations and the development of clearer guidelines to enhance consumer confidence and protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]