Food Law update

11 March 2026

On Tuesday 10 March, the States Assembly passed new laws, secondary regulations, related to food. 

It is anticipated the new regulations will be introduced later this year, once the start date has been agreed by the new States Assembly. When implemented, new rules on food labelling (including allergens) and food hygiene, and a licensing scheme for food businesses will come into effect.

Over the next few months, the Regulation directorate will communicate and engage extensively with interested parties including food businesses, the public, and third sector on the planned changes.

The directorate has already been working with many food businesses over the last few years advising on food safety management systems, hygiene standards, and allergen awareness as part of Jersey’s Eat Safe scheme. 

The primary law that accompanies the regulations will come into effect early next week.

This law introduces:

clear obligations on food business operators to ensure that food is safe and fit for human consumption
new rules on the traceability of food to aid product recalls
the legal requirement to implement hazard analysis at critical points in the food production process to improve standards.

The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said: “I am pleased that fellow States Members have recognised the importance of introducing regulations that will modernise Jersey’s food safety framework, aligning us with best practice in the UK and EU.

“I would like to reassure food businesses that persuasive compliance remains the watchword and the department will be working together with Jersey’s food businesses to engage, explain and encourage, with enforcement very much a last resort.

“Finally, I hope that the next Minister will complete the task and ensure that these important regulations are not forgotten or overlooked. We need them in place as soon as possible.

“My thanks to everyone who has been involved and continues to work on this important legislation.”