FSA removes blanket guidance on Peanut Allergy Advice | Allergy UK | National Charity
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The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an important update to its guidance for individuals with peanut allergies, lifting the precautionary advice to avoid foods containing mustard, mustard flour, mustard seeds or mustard powder.
This decision follows an extensive investigation and recall of several products, which has led the FSA to now conclude that all necessary food safety measures have been put in place and affected products have been removed from the market.
However, individuals with peanut allergies are still urged to avoid products listed in the allergy alerts. The FSA has also cautioned that, due to the investigation, some mustard-based products will now feature a precautionary allergen label (PAL), and therefore it remains essential to check labels, even on products previously purchased.
As this investigation draws to a close, we continue to advise those affected by peanut allergies to sign up to our Allergy Alerts, and also those from FSA for any updates. To this end, Allergy UK will now resume issuing alerts and products recalls as and when they come in, rather than a daily update.
We understand the significant worry this investigation has caused. Food allergies already present immense challenges for those affected, and incidents like this only deepen anxieties and undermine trust in food labelling. That’s why Allergy UK continues to call for a change in labelling practices and improved diligence in the application and enforcement of guidelines and regulations to prevent contaminations and incidents like this arising. We hope there will be learnings from this incident that will be taken on board by policymakers and the food industry. Simone Miles, CEO at Allergy UK.
If you or a family member has had an allergic reaction that could be linked to this investigation, please report it to the food business who supplied the affected product and to the local authority where the product was purchased.
Sign up to receive allergy alerts when foods have to be withdrawn or recalled if there is a risk to consumers. This could be because the allergy labelling is missing or incorrect or if there is any other food allergy risk, such as cross-contamination.
For those managing a peanut allergy, it is essential to have access to accurate, evidence-based information. Here, you can find comprehensive guidance on how to minimize the risks associated with peanut exposure and effectively manage this serious condition.
Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate attention. Our anaphylaxis and severe allergic reaction resources are vital for understanding the symptoms, triggers, and emergency treatment options.