Pembrokeshire Council Reveals Dairy-Free Drink Allergen Risks

Pembrokeshire Council's Food Safety and Standards team has issued a stark warning to local food businesses following an investigation that found high levels of milk contamination in supposedly dairy-free drinks. A comprehensive assessment of dairy-free coffees from various retail and catering outlets revealed concerning results: 83% contained traces of milk, with 67% having enough milk protein to potentially cause serious harm or even death to individuals with a milk allergy.

The council has developed a specialized advice leaflet intended to guide food business operators on how to properly manage allergen controls when preparing allergen-free drinks. This action follows troubling laboratory analyses of drink samples, spurring the council's safety team to engage directly with the affected businesses to mitigate contamination sources.

Dairy-free beverages have surged in popularity, often preferred for taste rather than dietary restrictions. However, the risk remains significant for allergy sufferers, as even minimal milk protein content can trigger severe allergic reactions. Common contamination sources include improperly sanitized equipment and cross-contamination with used cloths and jugs.

The Food Standards Agency reports that 6% of the UK's adult population has clinically confirmed food allergies, underscoring the legal responsibility of food businesses to ensure the safety of all served products. Cllr Jacob Williams emphasized that ongoing inspections would enforce compliance with allergen controls, advising individuals with food allergies to discuss their needs directly with businesses to prevent cross-contamination.