What advice is given to local authority meal providers in respect of nut allergies.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA)is the central competent authority for food safety and standards. Local authorityenvironmental health services in Scotland are in a position to provide allergy adviceto local authority meal providers. The FSA Scotland provides up to date advice toenvironmental health services on allergens, including nuts. This advice is in theform of update letters, training and guidance on the FSA website.
The advice which is availableto local authority meal providers includes examples of foods containing allergens,typical reactions and key messages in catering environments e.g. knowledge of ingredients,prevention of cross contamination and training.
New hygiene regulations whichcame into force on 1 January 2006 require that all food businesses (including local authoritymeal providers) must implement and maintain food safety management procedures. Hazardanalysis requires the operators to consider the hazards associated with food allergens,including nuts.
A number of documents are availablefrom the FSA to assist food businesses. The CookSafe document, most commonlyused in Scotland, has a section specifically dedicated to allergy advice,including nuts.
Hungry for Success, the ScottishExecutive’s programme for the provision of healthy school meals advises that anyfood for nut allergy sufferers should be provided in accordance with diet plansprepared by a State Registered Dietician.