The Manx Government will mirror any updates to the UK laws on allergen labelling on foods, Food Minister Geoffrey Boot told the House of Keys on Tuesday.

Mr Boot said the UK’s Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs, along with the Food Standards Agency in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, was consulting on proposals to improve the regulations on allergen information that must be provided.

It followed ’recent tragic cases’ in the UK, said the minister.

’As our regulations mirror the UK’s, it is our intention to bring in any proposed legislative changes which may come about as a result of this consultation,’ he said.

’However, the proposals also include non-regulatory options such as the promotion of best practice and training for staff, which are also vitally important.

’Our environmental team already works closely with our food businesses and operators providing guidance and advice to help them implement allergen controls and remind them of their legal obligations.’

Any further non-statutory initiatives would be considered.

Current regulations in the Isle of Man require all food businesses to inform consumers if any of 14 specified allergens are present in the food they sell or provide.

’All of the island’s registered food business operators have been provided with advice and guidance regarding their legal obligations since the regulations were introduced and this is routinely reinforced when officers carry out inspections of food premises,’ said Mr Boot.

He was responding to a question tabled by Lawrie Hooper (LibVannin, Ramsey).