An information right for allergens
Since 2005, information on the presence of allergens in packaged foods such as eggs, nuts, fish, milk is mandatory. And it has been almost a year now that the decree concerning the obligation for restaurants, bakeries and mass retailers to inform in writing the possible allergens present in unpackaged food has come into force . On this occasion, the Federal Union of Consumers, the UFC Que Choisir surveyed 375 shops throughout France . And the results are far from convincing ...
Uninformed consumers about allergens
- 75% of artisans in the small business (232 craft shops, bakeries, caterers and neighborhood restaurants) do not comply with the regulatory posting requirement and publish no information on allergens . Of the 75%, 30% give oral information, not always reliable . The survey was also poorly perceived by the artisans, one of the investigators even had the right to "I'm a baker, no nutritionist! ".
Good students, fast food and big brands respect the right to information on allergens.
- Mc Donald's, Quick or KFC , leaders in fast food, do not hesitate to provide information on allergens present in their products in the 9 establishments visited by UFC Que Choisir investigators. Only downside, the information is displayed on small formats, which makes reading difficult .
- For large retailers , the results are mixed. The brand that most respects the right to information on unpackaged food allergens is Monoprix, which displays allergens in 88% of the stores visited . Followed by Carrefour with 83% of stores visited that comply with the regulatory obligation to inform consumers. Then the brands Intermarché, E.Leclerc and Auchan are tied to 81%, 80% and 79% respectively of stores in compliance. At the bottom of the rankings are the Géant Casino stores, which only have 57% of stores that clearly inform about allergens.
Serious consequences
Yet the health consequences can be catastrophic. Indeed, 6 to 9 million consumers suffer from food allergies and intolerances. Ranked 4th of the WHO chronic diseases, allergy to eggs, soya, milk or peanut, is an evil that can lead to serious or even fatal reactions. The UFC Que Choisir asks for the rewriting of the text so that all those involved in restaurants and large-scale retailers place individual labels directly with food as 64% of Auchan stores visited.
