Allergen labelling meaning refers to the mandatory emphasis of the fourteen listed allergens within the ingredients list of prepacked food, using typographic contrast such as bold, italic or a different background colour, as required by Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011.
In trade practice
Suppliers must identify each listed allergen in the ingredients list using a clearly distinct font, style or colour so that it stands out from surrounding text. For non-prepacked food, Member States may permit allergen information to be provided by other means, such as written notices or verbal communication. QA teams audit label proofs against allergen declarations in raw material specifications to prevent omissions. Sulphur dioxide and sulphites above the threshold set in Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 must be declared even when used as preservatives in dried fruit.
In a specification
Label specifications should define the typographic method chosen for allergen emphasis and require suppliers to confirm that all sub-ingredient allergens, including carry-over additives, are captured in the declaration.