Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has recommended the inclusion of improved allergen information on pre-packed food labelling, such as sandwiches and salads that are produced and packaged on the same premises wher they are sold.

The move comes in the wake of the death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who suffered from a severe allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger sandwich.

Following a consultation, FSS stated that pre-packed food for sale in Scotland should carry full ingredient labelling to protect consumers.

The FSS also stated that additional work needs to be undertaken to examine the benefits and all of the risks in more detail.

Food Standards Scotland chair Ross Finnie said: “Food allergies are a food safety issue and can have a significant impact on people’s lives. Tragically, in the most extreme cases, people can and do die from food allergies.

“Food Standards Scotland’s primary concern is consumer protection, making sure that food is safe to eat for all consumers. There are particular challenges for people with food allergies who have to be able to access the information they need to make the right choices when they’re buying and eating food.”

FSS’s recommendations will now be submitted to Scottish Ministers.

Finnie further added: “Consumers were very clear in the consultation that they want to see full ingredient labelling, and FSS will recommend to Scottish Ministers that we should work towards delivery of this, with a more detailed assessment of benefits and risks to be carried out to ensure we achieve that goal.”

The move comes after a similar set of recommendations were presented last week to the UK Government by the Food Standards Agency.