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Plans to update Jersey's Food Law with comprehensive allergen labels are not set to be debated by politicians until next year – despite promises that the legislation would be in place by the end of 2022.
Environment Minister Steve Luce recently confirmed that his department "now has dedicated resources engaged on moving forward with the subordinate legislation which will allow the Food Law (Jersey) 2023 to come into force".
He was writing in answer to a question submitted by Deputy Catherine Curtis, who requested a timeframe and an update on the progress being made in bringing forward the Food (Jersey) Law 2023 Regulations – including the labelling of allergens in food.
Pictured: Jersey still lacks the dedicated food labelling and allergen legislation that would help reduce risks for local sufferers and their families.
It comes amid ongoing concerns around the the slow progress made on plans to update the island's food law with comprehensive allergen labels.
In 2022, the government said that legislation setting out requirements for allergen labelling for hospitality businesses and other food providers would be brought forward by the end of the year.
But two years later, no concrete progress has been made.
Deputy Luce explained that the departure of specialist staff has delayed work in this area, but said that "discussions are expected shortly with the Legislative Drafting Office on the best approach to deliver the desired outcomes".
This will then be encapsulated in law drafting instructions, which will be presented to key stakeholders and the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel.
Any subsequent revisions will then be incorporated into revised regulations, which will be lodged with the States Assembly for debate and approval.
"This is expected in 2025," said Deputy Luce.
Pictured: The Environment Minister explained that most of the packaged food available in Jersey is imported from the UK or EU, where allergen labelling legislation is already in place.
The Environment Minister added that it is "worth reiterating that most of the packaged food available locally is either imported from the UK or EU, meaning that the island is provided an elevated level of consumer protection".
He explained that mandatory EU labelling requirements provide for detailed ingredient lists in a legible font size with prominence given to the 14 most serious allergens on labelling.
"Local legislation also legislates against misrepresentation of food, e.g. claiming that a product is suitable for an allergic consumer when it is not," added Deputy Luce.
The update comes shortly after it was announced that the Channel Islands’ first ever Food Allergy Conference will be held in Jersey later this year.
The event hopes to help improve the lives of islanders impacted by food allergies amid the ongoing delays in local legislation.
In a statement announcing the conference, the Jersey Food Allergy Group said: "The latest research indicates that around 6% of UK adults have a food allergy, with food allergy cases almost doubling over the last two decades.
"Despite this, and despite high-profile fatal food allergy cases in the UK, Jersey still lacks the dedicated food labelling and allergen legislation that would help reduce risks for local sufferers and their families."
Pictured: One local allergy sufferer will share their story of being hospitalised due to mistaken exposure to allergens at the conference.
At the conference, members of the Jersey Food Allergy Group will share their experiences of what it is like living in the island with food allergies – including one story of being hospitalised due to mistaken exposure to allergens.
Dominic Jones and Neva Richardson, co-founders of the Jersey Food Allergy Group who have young children with severe food allergies, said: “Jersey is so behind the UK in terms of regulations around food labelling and allergen information, which can make the island a really difficult place for food allergy sufferers to live safely.
“We’re hopeful that this conference will help to highlight the issue of food allergies in Jersey; the practical, economic and social implications of allergies; the need for regulation so those with allergies can buy foods, drinks, and dine out safely; and will contribute to positive change for local allergy sufferers and their families.”
The Food Allergy Conference will take place on Monday 18 November from 08:30 - 15:00 at Banjo, 8 Beresford Street, St Helier.
You can reserve a space via Eventbrite. Tickets are free of charge, but are limited, so those wishing to attend are encouraged to register early.
The event is primarily targeted at healthcare professionals, policy makers, educators, food service providers, trade bodies, and food allergy advocates in Jersey, but all are welcome to attend.
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