TikTok users are selling food without listing allergen information, the BBC has found. Listings on TikTok Shop show people selling snacks and sweets without highlighting they contain one of the 14 main allergens that UK businesses are legally required to declare. When the BBC brought these listings to TikTok's attention, it deleted them and said: "TikTok Shop is committed to providing a safe and trustworthy shopping experience." Simon Williams, chief executive of Anaphylaxis UK, warned allergy suffers: "If the ingredient and allergen information isn't there, don't buy it. You're putting your life in grave danger." "We have policies and processes in place with our sellers to ensure the safety of food and beverages sold on our platform and we will remove products that breach these policies," a TikTok spokesperson said. However, it is currently possible to sell food on TikTok Shop without providing any ingredient or allergy information. The BBC found one seller, Mega Buy UK, selling a sweet treat related to the popular Netflix show Squid Game and listed the ingredients and allergens as "not applicable". Another UK-based seller called The Nashville Burger listed a burger-making kit that contained milk - one of the 14 allergens food businesses in the UK are required to declare on labels. It also contained wheat - which should be listed as an allergen under cereals containing gluten. However, on TikTok Shop, the allergen information was given as "spices" and the ingredient description simply said "flour". The BBC also found a seller called UK Snack Supply advertising lollipops and crisps with no ingredient or allergen information. TikTok has deleted the adverts the BBC highlighted, but all three companies are still on TikTok Shop selling other products without providing full allergen information. The BBC has approached all of these sellers for comment but could not independently verify that the sellers were all listed in the UK. However, allergy charities say regardless of where the firms are based more should be done to keep consumers safe. TikTok is a place where food trends go viral - from the pickle challenge which involved eating a hot pickle wrapped in a fruit roll-up - toDubai chocolatewhich sparked a shopping frenzy. And while users consume the videos TikTok has also become a platform to buy and sell a bite of the action. Kate Lancaster's two children both have milk allergies and she regularly posts advice on TikTok as The Dairy Free Mum. She thinks TikTok has a responsibility to ensure all products sold on its shopping platform meet safety and labelling standards. "It's completely unacceptable and really worrying. Failing to provide ingredient information is potentially very dangerous, and it feels like a complete disregard for the safety of those living with food allergies," she said. Tanya Ednan-Laperouse co-founded The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation in the name of her daughter whodied after an allergic reaction to a Pret a Manger sandwich. She said: "'TikTok is responsible for ensuring that all their UK food sellers meet legislative requirements to sell food products on their app. "Any that don't should be immediately removed from the app and investigated, but ideally this should not happen if their checks and balances are rigorous and in place." After her daughter's death, new safety rules, known as "Natasha's Law", were introduced which require full ingredient and allergen labelling on all food made on premises and pre-packed for direct sale. Kate believes TikTok is allowing sellers to "swerve" basic food labelling requirements as the app allows people not to list any ingredients at all and thinksthe platform should penalise those who don't provide the correct information. "Since Natasha's Law has come into effect I feel that, in general, allergy labelling has improved, but it's frightening that a huge platform like TikTok does not have adequate measures to ensure that labelling is in place," she said. "The thought of someone with a food allergy, or an allergy parent, buying items that they assume are safe, when in fact they may not be, is really scary." Mr Williams from Anaphylaxis UK says the ultimate responsibility lies with the seller but does think TikTok could do more. "At the moment it's being used as a platform to sell things that may not be safe. They [TikTok] do need to do more," he said, "There's a lot of people making a lot of money, great side hustle, but they're putting people at risk." Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which is responsible for food safety in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said: "Wherever people buy their food, it needs to be safe and what it says it is. "Food businesses in the UK must be registered with their local authority and follow food law. All food businesses have a legal responsibility to sell safe food and provide allergen information." The FSA website says that if food is sold online or over the phone through "distance selling" then allergen information must be provided at two different stages in the order process. This usually means providing allergy information in the online description and then also on the packaging so a buyer has two opportunities to check if their allergy could be triggered.
Warning over TikTok food sellers not listing allergens
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Concerns Raised Over Allergen Disclosure by Food Sellers on TikTok Shop"
Bbc News
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
A recent investigation by the BBC has revealed that some food sellers on TikTok Shop are failing to disclose allergen information, which is a legal requirement for UK businesses. This has raised serious concerns among allergy charities and advocacy groups, as the lack of transparency can pose significant health risks to consumers with food allergies. The findings show that certain sellers have listed products without providing necessary allergen details, such as a sweet treat linked to the Netflix show 'Squid Game' where the allergen information was marked as 'not applicable.' Another example included a burger-making kit that contained milk and wheat, yet the allergen details were misleadingly described, further complicating the issue for consumers. TikTok has responded to these findings by removing the highlighted listings and stating its commitment to safety, but the platform still allows sellers to operate without full compliance with allergen labeling laws.
Allergy advocates have voiced their concerns over TikTok's responsibility in ensuring that food products sold on its platform adhere to safety regulations. Kate Lancaster, a mother of two children with milk allergies, emphasized the platform's obligation to enforce proper labeling standards to protect vulnerable consumers. Furthermore, Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, co-founder of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, called for stricter oversight of food sellers on TikTok, especially in light of recent safety regulations known as 'Natasha's Law.' This legislation mandates clear ingredient and allergen labeling for all pre-packaged food. Experts from the Food Standards Agency have reiterated that food businesses must comply with local food safety laws and provide adequate allergen information, especially in online sales. The ongoing issues with allergen disclosure on TikTok Shop highlight the need for more rigorous checks to ensure consumer safety and compliance with established food safety standards.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a concerning issue regarding food safety on TikTok Shop, emphasizing the lack of allergen information provided by vendors. This investigation by the BBC sheds light on the potential dangers posed to consumers, particularly those with food allergies. By bringing this issue to the forefront, the article aims to raise awareness about food safety regulations and the responsibilities of online platforms.
Public Perception and Safety Concerns
The piece seeks to create a sense of urgency and caution among consumers, especially those with allergies. By quoting experts like Simon Williams from Anaphylaxis UK, the article amplifies the warning that purchasing food without clear allergen information can be life-threatening. This could lead to a heightened awareness among users regarding the importance of checking allergen labels, especially in an era where food is increasingly purchased online.
Hidden Agendas or Underlying Issues
While the article appears focused on consumer safety, one might wonder if there are broader implications regarding TikTok’s regulatory practices or its ability to monitor vendors effectively. The absence of rigorous checks on food sellers could be a reflection of the platform's rapid growth and the challenges that come with regulating user-generated content. This might hint at a larger narrative about the responsibilities of social media platforms in ensuring user safety.
Manipulative Aspects of the Report
The article does not overtly manipulate facts but uses strong language and expert testimonials to evoke emotional responses. It places significant emphasis on the potential dangers, which could be perceived as a strategy to push for stricter regulations on online food sales. While this could be seen as a necessary cautionary measure, it also raises questions about whether the tone is disproportionately alarmist.
Truthfulness of the Reporting
The information presented seems credible given that it cites specific instances and includes responses from TikTok. However, the fact that the BBC could not independently verify the sellers’ locations raises some doubts about the thoroughness of the investigation. The reliance on anecdotal evidence could potentially skew public perception.
Connection to Broader Issues
This report could be connected to ongoing discussions about food safety regulations, especially in light of the increasing popularity of online shopping platforms. The scrutiny of TikTok may also reflect wider societal concerns about the adequacy of regulatory frameworks in managing the safety of food sold through social media channels.
Impact on Society and Economy
The article could lead to increased demand for stricter regulations on online food sales, potentially affecting how social media platforms operate. This might also influence consumer behavior, as individuals may become more cautious about where and how they purchase food online. Economically, if stricter regulations are enforced, it could lead to increased compliance costs for sellers, which might in turn affect prices.
Target Audience
The article is likely to resonate more with communities that prioritize health and safety, particularly those affected by food allergies. It speaks to consumers who value transparency and are increasingly wary of where and how their food is sourced, thus appealing to a conscientious consumer base.
Market Implications
While the article does not directly address market impacts, it could influence companies involved in food production and e-commerce. Brands that fail to comply with allergen labeling could face backlash, leading to a potential decline in sales. This could particularly affect stocks related to food and beverage companies as consumers become more vigilant.
Global Power Dynamics
While the article does not directly address global power dynamics, it does touch on the implications of social media platforms in regulatory contexts. As platforms like TikTok continue to grow, their influence on consumer behavior and regulatory practices may have broader implications for international business standards.
Use of AI in the Article
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in crafting this article. However, AI models could have been employed in data collection or analysis, particularly in identifying trends in consumer behavior or allergen-related incidents. The narrative style and structure seem standard for journalistic reporting, lacking the nuances that AI-generated content might exhibit.
The article effectively highlights an important issue regarding food safety on social media, though it could benefit from a more balanced tone. The potential for manipulation exists, mainly through the language used, but the overall focus on consumer safety remains a significant concern. The credibility of the report is bolstered by expert opinions, despite some limitations in verifying the claims made about specific sellers.