Food hygiene glossary

Allergen

A food or ingredient that can cause an allergic reaction. The law lists 14 that must be declared.

Compound ingredient

An ingredient made of other ingredients, such as mayonnaise or pesto. It must be broken down on the label.

Distance selling

Selling food online, by phone or through an app. For PPDS food, allergen information must be available before purchase and at delivery.

Emphasis

Making an allergen stand out in the ingredients list, for example in bold, capitals or a different colour.

Fully prepacked food

Food packed by one business and sold by another. The full labelling rules apply, and the packer is responsible.

Natasha's Law

The UK rule, in force since 1 October 2021, that PPDS food must carry the name of the food and a full ingredients list with allergens emphasised.

Non-prepacked food

Food sold loose or packed after the customer orders it. Allergen information must still be available, in writing or spoken.

PPDS

Food packed before the customer orders it, by the business that sells it, at the same place. It needs a full ingredients label with allergens emphasised.

Precautionary allergen labelling

A 'may contain' or 'not suitable for' warning, used only when a risk assessment finds a real risk of cross-contact.

QUID

The percentage of an ingredient shown on a label. Not required for PPDS food.

Specification

A supplier's document that lists a product's ingredients and allergens.

Trading standards

Council officers who enforce labelling and consumer law, including allergen labelling.

These terms come from the United Kingdom version of the course. See what the course covers.