Non-prepacked food and distance selling

Loose food does not need a label. You must still give the name of the food, say whether it contains any of the 14 allergens, and give QUID for meat products. You can show this on a menu, ticket or notice, or tell customers in person. If you tell them in person, a clearly visible notice must say how to get the information.

In 2025 the FSA published best practice guidance for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It recommends written allergen information supported by a conversation. It does not change the law and it does not cover PPDS food. Food Standards Scotland publishes its own guidance, so check its website for the latest position.

If you choose to add an ingredients list or a date to loose food, it must follow the rules for prepacked food.

Distance selling means selling by phone, online or by mail order. The PPDS ingredients list rule does not apply to food sold only in these ways. Instead, allergen information must be available free of charge before the customer buys, and again at the moment of delivery. If you sell the same pack in your shop as well, the pack in the shop needs a PPDS label. Some businesses choose to label everything.

Prepacked food sold at a distance has a similar rule. The information normally on the label, except the date, must be available before purchase. All of it must be available on delivery.