Prime Highlights:
- Jersey is seeking feedback from food businesses on new food laws aimed at improving public health and modernising safety standards.
- Proposed changes include mandatory allergen labelling, a licensing system, and updated hygiene rules aligned with UK and EU standards.
Key Facts:
- All food businesses, whether for-profit or non-profit, public or private, would need to follow the updated rules, which also classify businesses by risk level.
- The government has opened a survey for feedback until 30 January, helping authorities refine the proposals and address concerns.
Background:
The Government of Jersey is asking food businesses for their views on proposed changes to the island’s food laws. The goal is to protect public health and update food safety rules.
Steve Luce, Minister for the Environment, has proposed rules for allergen labelling, a licence system for food businesses, and improved hygiene standards based on UK and EU rules.
The draft rules, called the Draft Food (Jersey) Regulations 202-, are being reviewed by the Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel to check if they are suitable and effective.
Deputy Hilary Jeune, Chair of the panel, highlighted the importance of ensuring that the changes do not cause unintended challenges for food businesses, charities, or the wider economy. She emphasised that “the draft food regulations are, without doubt, a necessity to bring Jersey up to date with modern practices of labelling food for allergens.”
Under the proposals, all food businesses would need to obtain an annual licence. Businesses would be classified as low, medium, or high risk, based on factors such as the type of food, handling processes, and customer base. Fees would be applied according to risk level, though certain organisations may qualify for exemptions.
Deputy Jeune noted that the panel still requires clarity on which businesses will need a licence and how risk categories will be defined. She said the regulations need to protect public health while being practical, so people can clearly understand if the rules apply to them.
The rules would apply to all food businesses, whether for-profit or not, public or private, and at any stage of food production or sale.
The government has started a survey for food businesses and others to share their feedback. Responses are accepted until 30 January and will help improve the rules.
This shows Jersey’s commitment to modern food safety, protecting consumers, and giving businesses clear guidelines.
