Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to include Annatto (E160b) on the list of allergens that must be labelled under UK food labelling regulations.

There are many potential food ingredients that may cause an allergic reaction to sensitised people. The current 14 regulated allergens are recognised as being the most common and potent allergens of public health concern across Europe.   Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses

The prevalence of allergy to the additive Annatto (E160b) is currently unknown in the United Kingdom. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is currently working with the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology and other stakeholders on gathering information on hidden and emerging food allergens which will help in assessing the need for further research and work in this area. If further information is received on the prevalence of Annatto as an allergy we will review this evidence. The FSA continues to monitor the situation closely but has no current recommendations to Ministers on amending the list of 14 regulated allergens.

The FSA continues to work to make it easier for people with food hypersensitivities, namely allergies, intolerances, and coeliac disease, to have access to clear and accurate information which is a fundamental part of their work. Their research is available at the following link:

https://www.food.gov.uk/research/food-hypersensitivity