A NEW alert service for food allergy sufferers has been launched.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) wants people to sign up to the free scheme, which will send out real time text alerts or an email if an issue is found with missing or incorrect food labelling regarding allergens.

Users will be given the option to receive specific alerts about issues involving any of the 14 major allergens which are required to be mentioned on packaging when used as ingredients in food or drink in the UK, including peanuts, sesame seeds, gluten, milk, eggs and fish.

FSS said there were 86 allergy alerts for food and drink products in Scotland in the year from April 1, 2018.

Ron McNaughton, head of the FSS Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit, added: “Food allergies can significantly impact people’s quality of life and we are here to make sure people with allergies or intolerances have the information they need.

“We work closely with local authorities, food businesses and the Food Standards Agency to make people aware of any issues and we’d urge anyone with an allergy to sign up for tailored food alerts.”

People can access the service from foodstandards.gov.scot

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