FOOD businesses are being warned by Wigan Council not to get caught out by new laws which come into force next month.

The laws affect how businesses which sell non pre-packed food, such as cafes, restaurants, bakeries and delis, display information about food allergens.

From December 13, all businesses need to verbally explain or display allergenic information to customers if any of 14 allergenic ingredients are present in food they make or serve, either on the menu or verbally. Customers can be advised where or how more information can be found.

Julie Searing, Wigan Council’s group manager for Business Compliance and Improvement, said: “We understand food businesses work long hours, leaving little time to read through new guidance.

"However, easy-to-understand information is available on our website and the Food Standard Agency’s website to help businesses with these changes.

“Businesses could be missing out on vital custom by not providing clear and accurate allergen information about the food they sell or serve.”

Wigan Council’s Business Compliance and Improvement Team is running two advice drop-in sessions, on December 2 at Asda Robin Park, Wigan from 10am until 2pm and on December 4 at Sainsbury’s Parsonage Retail Park in Leigh from 10am to 2pm.

For more information, visit wigan.gov.uk.