In the coming months and years, it is likely that Owen’s Law will be a big consideration for businesses as they try to navigate changes in legislation. What is Owen’s Law, and what does it propose for food businesses? We explore who needs to be aware, and potential changes. Supported by the Food Standards Agency, and already debated in Parliament, we explore more about what Owen’s Law means below.
What is Owen’s Law?
Owen’s Law is a campaign to change the rules regarding what food businesses including restaurants have to “state the 14 major allergens prescribed by EU law in their dishes in writing at the point of ordering and without the customer having to ask.”
The changes were proposed after the tragic case of Owen Carey, a young man who passed away after a massive anaphylactic reaction. Owen’s family has fought tirelessly off the back of their sad loss to try to ensure that changes are finally made and that this entirely preventable situation doesn’t happen again.
He was served food with buttermilk in, which he was allergic to. Owen had suffered from numerous food allergies and made a point of asking what the food contained, but neither the server nor the menu stated that buttermilk was in the food. Tragically, he died as a result of eating the burger.
Is it Different From Natasha’s Law?
Natasha’s Law came into effect in 2021 and is similar in that it relates to allergens and food packaging.
Under this law, businesses that produce prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) food are required to label it more thoroughly, including the name of the food and a full ingredients list, with allergenic ingredients made clear, usually by bolding the allergens. Businesses who aren’t sure if their food is impacted can check using the FSA’s handy tool.
This covers prepacked foods, such as sandwiches that you might buy from a supermarket or coffee shop. However, Owen’s Law would relate to restaurants, too, meaning that all allergens now have to be communicated in writing.
Compliance With Owen’s Law
It is definitely time for businesses to think more about how they explain what is in their food, and do the right thing by their customers. Owen’s Law is not yet an actual “law” yet, as it is a proposed and debated change to regulation. However, it looks like it is rapidly approaching.
It may take time for businesses to make the changes that they need to, and there is something of a transition period. As a result of the Owen’s Law campaign, the Food Standards Agency has already changed guidelines regarding food service.
You may have noticed more serving staff asking you if you have any allergies when going to a restaurant, and that many managers are even overseeing or taking the orders as a further precaution. This is just one part of the changes that are coming.
Many businesses will use a script for employees to follow when speaking to customers, allowing them to explain what allergens are in the food they serve. Additionally, menus will probably change. A standardised set of icons to show what allergens are in food could be one solution.
Future Developments in the Industry
Regulations are changing all the time, and food businesses need to be aware of these changes. Further developments are in the pipeline in the UK.
The Government has also announced new restrictions on “promotion, location and advertising of foods which are high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS)”. This new enforcement will begin in 2025.
The Windsor Framework also applies to some foods, requiring them to be labelled as “not for EU” and this applies from 1 October 2024 for prepacked meat, milk, and dairy, and then to all prepacked retail goods from October 2025.
More than ever, businesses are focusing on how to get their packaging right and ensure they are doing things within the law, to keep customers safe. Owen’s Law is a step in the right direction, but requires businesses to be switched on with their communication and staff training, as well as menus, which will need to adhere to the new regulations and prevent tragic stories like Owen’s from happening again.
Contact Dura-ID Solutions on 0114 242 2111 or info@dura-id.com for further information.