Christmas food allergy warning issued amid rise in people buying food from online shops

A professional body has issued a warning ahead of the festive season as people increasingly look to buy food directly from online shops and social media which may not list critical allergen information.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is urging people with food allergies, as well as all consumers buying for themselves, friends or family this Christmas, to be vigilant when buying food this way.

As people head online to buy last minute gifts and stock up for festive get togethers, CIEH is looking to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by people living with allergies when shopping on the web.

One in three people are now purchasing food online and increasingly buying food directly through social media and online marketplaces, with people buying more unique and distinctive food products based on the latest social media trends.

With this shift in buying habits, CIEH is encouraging people living with allergies and anyone buying food online this Christmas to take the following precautions to make sure the business they are buying from is trustworthy and transparent:

• Check that the food business you are buying from is registered – UK-registered food businesses must meet food safety standards. You can confirm whether a business is registered and see any Food Hygiene Rating by visiting: https://ratings.food.gov.uk. In Wales and Northern Ireland, it is the law that Food Hygiene Ratings should be displayed.
• Look closely at product information - Ensure products include:
  • A clear ingredient list
  • Correct allergen information
  • Details about preparation environments (e.g., “may contain” warnings)

  If anything is missing or unclear, contact the business directly before making a purchase.

• Be cautious with third-party sellers - Marketplaces and social platforms can host unregulated sellers. If a business cannot provide proper allergen information, it’s safer to avoid buying from them.
• Know your rights - Online retailers must provide accurate allergen details before purchase. If you believe information is misleading or missing, you can report concerns to your local authority or through the Food Standards Agency

Jim McManus, CIEH Vice President, said:

“Food allergies are a growing problem in the UK and having the correct allergen information listed could literally be the difference between life and death – it is that important.

“Our members work every day in their communities to protect consumers from harm and providing businesses with advice. That is why we are so concerned about the steep rise in people buying food online, potentially from businesses who are unregistered and not following correct procedures.

“With families and friendship groups gathering this Christmas and trying new foods and trends they may have seen on social media, it is critical that people are vigilant about what they are buying online and that they can be assured all the correct allergen information has been listed by the seller.

“We hope by highlighting this issue and giving consumers advice on how they take the necessary steps when buying food online, they can browse, click, and buy with confidence this festive season and keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy.”

Professor Adam Fox OBE, Professor of Paediatric Allergy, Chair of the National Allergy Strategy Group (NASG), said:

“The surge in online food shopping brings serious risks for people with allergies and intolerances. Missing or unclear allergen information can have devastating consequences.

“As shoppers look for last-minute festive gifts and treats, I urge everyone to take this warning from CIEH seriously: stay alert to the risk of allergens and only buy from reputable businesses that provide clear, accurate ingredient information.

“Also always make sure that you carry your emergency medication and know how and when to use it – it could prove lifesaving.”

To find out more about CIEH’s Clicking with Confidence campaign and for advice and guidance to help you stay safe when buying food online, visit www.cieh.org/cwc