“I don’t want it to be delayed any longer than practical. I am very committed to do what I can to speed up the process.”

There’s now a very clear message coming from government.

Owen’s Law is no longer just being discussed.

It’s being pushed forward — and quickly.

Following recent coverage from the BBC, ministers have confirmed their commitment to progressing new legislation that would require restaurants to provide clear allergen information directly on menus.

For food businesses, this is a moment worth paying attention to.

Because it signals a major shift in what “good practice” will soon look like.

Why Owen’s Law Matters

At the centre of this movement is Owen Carey.

Owen was just 18 years old when he died after suffering a severe allergic reaction in 2017.

He had told staff about his dairy allergy.

But the chicken he ate had been marinated in buttermilk — something that wasn’t clearly communicated.

That gap between kitchen knowledge and customer information had devastating consequences.

Since then, his father, Paul Carey, has led a campaign to make sure no other family goes through the same experience.

And now, that campaign is closer than ever to becoming law.

What’s Changed — And Why It Matters to You

The latest updates show three important things:

• Government is actively working towards implementing Owen’s Law

• The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is reviewing and strengthening its guidance

• There is a clear push to move forward “as quickly as possible”

This builds on the FSA’s updated guidance for the out-of-home sector, which encourages businesses to provide allergen information at the point of ordering — not just when asked.

That’s a big shift.

Because it moves the industry from:

👉 “We have the information somewhere”

to:

👉 “Customers can see it clearly before they order”

What Owen’s Law Will Likely Require

While the final legislation is still being shaped, the direction is already clear.

Owen’s Law is expected to introduce:

• Clear allergen information displayed directly on menus

• Standardised formats (symbols, text, or numbering systems)

• A requirement for staff to proactively ask about allergies

• Greater accountability for accuracy and consistency

In simple terms:

👉 No more hidden allergen folders
👉 No more relying on memory
👉 No more gaps between front of house and kitchen

The Reality in Most Food Businesses

Let’s be honest — most kitchens aren’t set up like this yet.

You might currently rely on:

• A printed allergen sheet or folder

• A spreadsheet that needs updating

• Verbal communication between staff

That’s been the norm for years.

But it’s exactly what the FSA guidance — and Owen’s Law — are trying to move away from.

Because that system leaves too much room for error.

And when it comes to allergens, even a small error can have serious consequences.

How Allergen Checker Helps You Stay Ahead

This is where https://allergenchecker.co.uk becomes a real advantage.

Instead of adding more pressure to your team, it simplifies the entire process.

With Allergen Checker, you can:

• Build each dish once and automatically generate allergen information

• Keep menus, specials, and counters consistent

• Provide instant access for customers via QR codes

• Update ingredients in seconds when things change

• Download clear, compliant labels and menus

So rather than reacting to new legislation…

👉 You’re already aligned with FSA guidance
👉 You’re already prepared for Owen’s Law
👉 You’re already protecting your customers

This Is About More Than Compliance

This isn’t just a regulatory change.

It’s about trust.

Customers with allergies don’t see allergen information as a “nice to have”.

They rely on it to make safe decisions.

The FSA guidance reflects that.

Owen’s Law will enforce it.

And customers will increasingly expect it.

A Simple Question to Ask Yourself

If a customer walked into your business today…

Could they access full allergen information without needing to ask a member of staff?

If the answer is no, you’re not where the industry is heading.

Final Thought

Paul Carey said it simply:

“It just has to be done.”

Now, with government backing and updated FSA guidance, it will be.

The only question is how prepared your business will be when it does.

Get Ahead of Owen’s Law Today

With Allergen Checker’s free package, you can:

• Add up to 50 dishes

• Generate full allergen breakdowns

• Create QR codes for customer access

• Download compliant menus and labels

👉 Visit https://allergenchecker.co.uk

Because the businesses that act now…

Will be the ones customers trust most.