,"On January 2, 2026, the Swedish Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) released updated regulatory requirements and operational guidelines governing foods marketed as “allergen-free,” including gluten-free and lactose-free products, as well as foods intended for special diets. The scope of application covers both prepackaged and non-prepackaged foods, including meals provided in institutional settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes, while explicitly excluding non-allergen-related claims such as “sugar-free.”
The framework is based on core EU legislation, notably Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 on requirements for gluten-free foods, and Sweden’s national regulation LIVSFS 2014:4. The guidance highlights three critical risk areas that food businesses must manage: labeling errors, including undeclared allergens; cross-contamination risks during production, handling, or inadequate cleaning of equipment; and incomplete or missing supply chain information. To mitigate these risks, businesses are expected to implement robust controls such as sourcing verified or certified ingredients, segregating production lines or zoning high-risk areas, and applying dual verification procedures for labeling accuracy.
From January 1, 2026, Sweden has abolished the mandatory registration requirement for allergen-free foods; however, this regulatory relief does not reduce compliance obligations, as food business operators remain fully responsible for product safety and accurate labeling. Importers are specifically required to verify that manufacturers’ labels comply with applicable EU and national rules. Foods for special diets must additionally comply with requirements overseen by the Swedish Medical Products Agency. Regulatory authorities will continue to monitor compliance through inspections and spot checks, with the overarching objective of ensuring a high level of protection for consumers with food allergies and intolerances."
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