UKIP demands new food allergen laws are 'chucked out with the beer slops'

The party's deputy leader and pro-pub campaigner Paul Nuttall has expressed misgivings over what he labelled the "nannying behaviour being imposed by Brussels".

From 13 December, the EU Food Information Regulations will make it necessary for pubs to tell customers if a menu item contains traces of any of 14 different allergens.

The British Hospitality Association has warned that the new laws could cost the industry £200m a year.

"As if licensees don't have enough to cope with trying to make a living these days without more nannying behaviour being imposed by Brussels," said Nuttal.

"There may be scope for warnings on foods as it is not always obvious which contain, for example, nuts but we don't need interference from the EU. We can and do already sensibly deal with that ourselves in this country.

"Having to display allergen information for beer and wine will cause extra costs, disruption and inconvenience to landlords and is a waste of time. As well as knowing what foods to avoid people know which drinks to steer clear off. I'm sure those with a gluten intolerance know to avoid beer and those sensitive to sulphite know it's frequently in wine."

'Chucked out'​

Research shows that many in the licensed trade are still unaware of the new laws and could face an unlimited fine if they fail to provide the necessary information.

"Licensses have a daily struggle to keep going in the face of taxes and unfair competition with supermarkets and off licences and this will just add to their woes," he added.

"It should be chucked out with the beer slops."

UKIP has positioned itself as a pro-pub party and previously pledged to review pubco beer prices and introduce flexibility on the smoking ban.