Indian Chef Urges Takeaways to Protect Allergic Customers
Renowned Indian chef, Cyrus Todiwala, has urged Asian takeaway businesses and other ethnic eateries to follow the new EU legislation which became law last December. The EU Food Information for Consumers Regulations (EU FIC) requires food businesses to provide information on 14 specific allergens, when used as ingredients, in the food they sell. This came into effect in December 2014.
New research carried out jointly by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Allergy UK has shown that 70% of those with food allergies avoid buying takeaways due to fears about allergens.
Mr Todiwala, owner of four London restaurants, is urging restaurant and takeaway owners to embrace the guidelines to benefit their businesses and keep their customers safe.
Mr Todiwala said, “Over the last 20 years we have seen a rapid growth in the number of people suffering from allergies and intolerances. As restaurant owners we have a responsibility to keep our customers safe and make them feel welcome in our restaurants.”
“For example, we were approached by the family of a young boy who could never eat out due to his food allergies. They sent us a list of ingredients he had to avoid and we worked with them to create a special meal that catered for his needs.”
Around 2 million people in the UK have food allergies including up to 2% of adults and 8% of children. These range from common ingredients such as nuts and milk, to less widely recognised allergens such as mustard and lupin (found in pasta and flour).
For more information on the EU FIC regulations please visit www.food.gov.uk/science/allergy-intolerance
