Jersey consults on law to improve food safety

People in Jersey have been given the opportunity to have their say on planned food legislation.

The proposed secondary legislation aims to protect the public health of Islanders and visitors, ensuring that food sold, prepared and packaged in Jersey meets internationally recognized requirements, bringing the country in line with standards in the United Kingdom and European Union. 

The regulation focuses on a new licensing scheme for food businesses; food standards including labeling and allergens, and food hygiene and safety.

Feedback will help to finalize the secondary legislation, which will then be presented to the States Assembly in early 2026. Jersey is the biggest of the Channel Islands and is close to the French and English coasts.

If the secondary legislation is approved, the Food (Jersey) Law 2023, which was passed in December 2022, can take effect. The primary law has already been accepted. 

Allergens and risk-based approach
The labeling and food allergens area of the law introduces evidence-based requirements, following regulations in the EU and Natasha’s Law in the UK. The aim is to improve the information provided to consumers about allergens in food settings so they can make more informed choices. 

Updated licensing proposals would be carried out on a risk-based framework, categorizing food businesses based on the level of risk their activities potentially pose to customers. Officials said this approach would mean licensing fees more accurately reflect the time and resources spent by officers in inspecting and supporting food premises. 

The closing date of the consultation is Oct. 9, 2025. More details can be found here

Steve Luce, minister for the environment, said the law is about improving food safety and consumer protection.

“This proposed secondary legislation, if approved, will allow this law to come into force and will be a crucial step to ensuring Jersey’s food system is aligned with international standards,” he said. 

“The law has been designed with proportionality in mind, and I want to reassure those with concerns that it is not intended to target occasional activities, like charity cake sales for example. This is ensuring high standards of food hygiene, safety and standards at every stage of the food chain — ​from the primary producer to the end consumer. Many food businesses are already making great efforts to do this, and the legislation will help ensure that everyone can enjoy food safely.” 

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