Food law changes include licensing and allergen labelling rules

Tuesday, 5 August 2025 09:00

The government is asking for feedback on planned updates to Jersey's food safety rules to match UK and EU standards.

The main aims of the proposed change are to improve food labelling, avoid risks in the kitchen such as cross-contamination, and improve business licensing.

The changes to licensing will give the government has more control over establishments that are not following regulations.

Environment Minister Steve Luce says it is all about protecting people's health.

"We want to make sure that food that's on the market is safe to eat.

"We want to make sure that it is accurately labelled and described, and we want to make sure that it is handled hygienically throughout the supply chain."

Environment Minister Steve Luce

The government wants stricter requirements around food allergy labelling, to ensure people with allergies can pick food that will not put their health at risk.

However, Deputy Luce explains that this will only work if food producers follow the regulations in the kitchen when the food is being prepared.

He says he is hopeful that the changes to the law can be brought back to the States Assembly for debate in early 2026.

"This is about supporting consumer safety and promoting business accountability, but most importantly, it's about Jersey's food laws and making sure we are up on a level with the UK and the EU."

A ten-week consultation is asking islanders for their feedback.