NVWA: Entrepreneurs Fail to Provide Allergen Information

Entrepreneurs lag behind in providing allergen information in food, warns the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). In 2023, the NVWA checked 6,548 companies to see if they complied with the legal rules for providing allergen information. The results are concerning: more than half of the inspected companies did not meet the requirements.

With approximately 500,000 Dutch people suffering from food allergies, accurate information is vital. Even small amounts of allergens can have serious consequences. Entrepreneurs are obligated to list these allergens, for example, through cards in the display case, on the menu, or by instructing staff.

The inspection results of 2023 reveal that many companies still fall short in providing this crucial information. In over 30% of inspections, no information was provided about allergens, while in 16.5% of cases, only verbal information was available, without written or digital support.

It's noteworthy that most deficiencies were found in catering businesses, followed by retail and artisanal companies. Healthcare institutions scored slightly better, but there was still room for improvement.

The NVWA enforces strict measures and takes action against violations with warnings and fines. Despite these efforts, it was found that even after repeated warnings and fines, 10% of the inspected companies still didn't have their allergen information in order. This underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and awareness among entrepreneurs to ensure consumer safety.

Nvwa.nl