Food allergy safeguards approved more than seven months ago still have no start date, prompting a campaigner to warn that this is now the “third government” to promise action.
Dominic Jones has urged ministers to introduce the rules without further significant delay, arguing that Islanders and visitors with life-threatening allergies deserve protections already available in more than 100 countries.
The government said it supports implementation but will spend the coming months engaging with food businesses before confirming a date.
The Food (Jersey) Regulations, approved by the States Assembly in March, would require clear allergen labelling on pre-packaged food and full ingredient lists for food that is not pre-packaged.
They would also introduce improved hygiene standards and staff training to help businesses manage allergens and provide clearer information to customers.
An intended start date of 1 October was removed before approval following Scrutiny concerns about allowing businesses time to understand and prepare for the requirements.
A separate Commencement Act must now be lodged and approved by the Assembly. None has yet been lodged.
Mr Jones, a member of the UK National Allergy Strategy’s Food Retail, Catering & Travel group, encouraged members of the Jersey Allergy Group to write to Planning and Regulation Minister Sir Mark Boleat.
“This is now the third government to have promised to bring forward these regulations, and I am concerned by the minister’s statement that there is a need for further consultation,” he said.
Mr Jones said the rules had already undergone extensive consultation with industry and other stakeholders, while Environmental Health officers had demonstrated a “deep understanding of the issues”.
Mr Jones said he understood Scrutiny’s concerns related to a connected but separate food business registration scheme and its fees, which would bring previously unregulated businesses, including farmers, within the food safety framework.
“I hope those issues can be addressed separately, allowing the carefully considered food allergy regulations to proceed urgently,” he added.
The Infrastructure and Environment Department said the minister intended to introduce the regulations during his term in office.
It said Scrutiny had emphasised continued engagement with businesses to ensure they had sufficient time to prepare and comply.
Officers would work with industry representatives over the coming months, with an update once the legislation was ready to be lodged and the timing confirmed.
Mr Jones said the draft rules mirrored requirements in the UK and EU, allowing businesses to use existing systems and supply chains. Many local businesses already followed the standards, he added.
“Jersey remains behind more than 100 countries that have introduced food allergen requirements to make buying food safer,” said Mr Jones.
“The thousands of Islanders and many more visitors to Jersey living with life-threatening food allergies deserve the same protection without further delay.”
