Precautionary Allergen Labelling in Serbia: Market Audit and Consumers’ Perception

Dragana  Davidović; Maja  Bulatović; Katarina  Paunović; Nadja  Vasiljević; Danica  Zarić; Dušan  Popović; Sanja  Milenković

doi:10.18502/ijph.v51i3.8935

Dragana Davidović Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Maja Bulatović Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Katarina Paunović Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Nadja Vasiljević Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Danica Zarić Innovation Centre of Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Karnegijeva 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Dušan Popović Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subo-tića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Sanja Milenković Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v51i3.8935

Keywords: Allergen labeling; Precautionary allergen labeling; Consumer attitudes; Food safety

Abstract

Background: Precautionary allergen labels (PAL) should be used to indicate the possibility of allergen presence in the food. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of precautionary labeling statements on different pre-packaged food products in retail stores in Belgrade, Serbia, as well as to assess consumers’ attitudes and behavior towards PAL statements.

Methods: This was a descriptive study. The following characteristics of 1404 pre-packaged foods were analyzed: prevalence of PAL, listed food allergens on PAL, and the types of the advisory terminology. In the group of 275 participants (94 with food allergies, and 181 persons who purchasing food for a household member with food allergy) reading practice of PAL, purchasing practice based on PAL, and the opinion about PAL statements credibility were evaluated.

Results: Overall, 33.9% of products had precautionary statements for one or more allergens. “Tree nuts” were the most common allergens listed in the PAL. The most common type of PAL was “May contain traces of x [allergen]” (52.7%). The PAL was always read by half of the participants. Less than half (43.3%) of the participants incorrectly believed that PAL is regulated by national law. A quarter of participants thought that the PAL statements are trustworthy.

Conclusion: PAL statements frequently are not user-friendly and are not providing sufficient protection for food allergic patients. To gain buyers’ confidence, protect health and provide security, the necessity for the strategies that would regulate PAL by the law exists.