NVWA: Information on allergens must improve

Inspections by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) have revealed that 6 in 10 businesses in retail, fresh food and catering do not properly inform customers about which allergens are present in the food or dish. The inspections took place at 13,000 businesses in 2022. 

The regulator does see a slight improvement when it comes to providing information (menu or sign), but when asking further what is in the food, knowledge of allergens is usually found to be limited. It can be dangerous for people with allergies or intolerances if they are not properly informed about what is in food.

Inspection results 2022 compared to 2021

• In the fresh food sector (fresh food shops), the NVWA visited 2,256 businesses. The results are about the same. 48% are compliant.
• In the catering industry (the NVWA visited 9,407 establishments. Here things are slightly better than last year. 41% meet the conditions (last year 35%).
• In retail (supermarkets and tokos), the NVWA visited 1,171 businesses. Here things are worse than last year. 38% comply with the conditions (last year 59%).
• In healthcare institutions, compliance is relatively slightly better. 65% comply with the conditions.

Enforcement action and measures in the form of written warnings or fines were taken at those companies that did not comply.

Nvwa.nl