Jersey's Environment department has drafted a new law which aims to create regulations and guidance to protect people with food allergies.
It is part of the reforms to bring the island into line with other jurisdictions, such as the UK and the EU.
Currently, there are no rules governing how food businesses should conduct themselves; there are only voluntary actions.
There are concerns that this may affect tourism to the island, as people's health may be affected here.
The Food Law would introduce the need for food allergy labelling on pre-packaged food, full ingredients lists for non-packaged foods, better food hygiene standards and staff training.
However, there are some instances where islanders will be excluded from regulations, examples include:
- Cakes made for a school/community fête or charity cake sale by home bakers,
- Food prepared at home for a cultural celebration (e.g. Lunar New Year),
- Food being prepared for a wake by family members,
- Christmas or Liberation Day celebratory parish meals for senior parishioners are held at the
parish/community hall, - The annual Royal Square Soup Kitchen,
- Barbeque and events for youth organisations, i.e. Scout Clubs,
- Sports team coach providing homemade sandwiches and/or orange segments after a
match, - Volunteers providing coffee, tea and biscuits to members after an event,
- School children providing their own ingredients for a cookery class, to take home and eat,
- A colleague is bringing in homemade treats to share at work.
In these cases, labelling and licensing under the Food Law would not be required.
However, the food must be safe to eat, and anyone making the food or serving it would be 'strongly encouraged' to follow food hygiene and safety.
The draft law will go to the States Assembly for debate in early 2026.
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