Prepacked for direct sale

New legislation, which requires food businesses in Scotland to include the product name and full ingredient information on food sold prepacked for direct sale (PPDS), came into force on 1 October 2021 in Scotland and the rest of the UK. The new legislation improves information about allergens and other ingredients in food packed in advance, mainly at the same place where it’s sold, before being offered to consumers.

How is my business affected?

If you're not sure how your business is affected by the requirements, answer a few questions below to find out.

Examples of PPDS foods include sandwiches placed into packaging by the food business and sold from the same premises, wrapped deli counter goods such as cheese and meats, and boxed salads placed on a refrigerated shelf prior to sale.

What information is required?

You must include the name of the food and the ingredients list with any of the 14 allergens required to be declared by law emphasised within it, if they are ingredients of the food. Allergens could be emphasised by:

• Using a different text colour
• Writing the allergens in bold or underlining

Why has the law changed?

The law offers increased protection and confidence for consumers living with a food allergy or intolerance in the food they buy out and about. On pack information will include the 14 allergens specifically listed in food information law, as well as other ingredients which can trigger reactions.

This new requirement follows wide consultation, including engaging with business and enforcement stakeholders, and consumers on improving allergen information, to help prevent further food allergy deaths in the out of home environment.

How will the law be enforced?

Local Authorities will have the responsibility for enforcement for the new PPDS labelling requirements as part of their risk based controls approach.