EU regulation: what's new in terms of labelling of food allergens?

New Directive 2003/89/EC (1), published on 25 November 2003, has significantly amended Directive 2000/13/EC (2) with regard to the indication of ingredients on food labels and particularly to the mandatory labelling of those ingredients that are considered the most common food allergens. The objective is to provide more comprehensive information for consumers with allergies and to allow them to identify those ingredients and foods that they must avoid. The new legislation will be fully implemented by the end of 2005, once the transposition into national legislation has been completed (i.e. on 25 November 2004) and after the transitional period allowing the industry time to meet the new regulatory requirements (i.e. 25 November 2005).