Food Safety & Allergens Policy

At Merchants Premium Food Ltd, we take food safety and allergen control seriously. Our customers rely on us for safe, gluten free products, and we are committed to maintaining high standards throughout our sourcing, production, storage, and delivery processes. This policy explains how we handle food safety and allergens, and what you can expect from us when you buy our products.

1. Our Commitment to Food Safety

We follow all relevant UK food safety laws and guidance, including the Food Safety Act 1990, the Food Hygiene Regulations 2013, and the Food Information Regulations 2014. We work with a single food supplier, Middleton Foods, who meet strict safety and hygiene standards, and we regularly review our processes to ensure they remain compliant and effective.

All products are stored, handled, and packed in clean, controlled environments. We take care to ensure that products reach you in the same safe condition they leave us.

2. Gluten Free Standards

As a gluten free retailer, we understand how important it is that products are safe for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. We only source products that are labelled gluten free by Middleton Foods, and we do not stock items containing gluten.

We rely on Middleton Foods allergen declarations and certifications, and we expect them to follow recognised gluten free standards. If a product is labelled gluten free, this means it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, in line with UK and EU regulations.

All Merchants products are certified with the Crossed Grain Trademark by Coeliac UK.

3. Allergen Information

Clear allergen information is essential for customer safety. Each product listing on our website includes the Middleton Foods ingredient list and allergen declarations. We encourage all customers to read this information carefully before purchasing.

Although we specialise in gluten free products, some items may contain other allergens such as nuts, dairy, eggs, or soy. These allergens will always be listed in the product description.

If you have any allergies, intolerances, or dietary concerns, please check the product packaging when your order arrives, as Middleton Foods may occasionally update their recipes or labels.

4. Cross Contamination

We do not manufacture or pack food ourselves, but we do store products before dispatch. We take care to minimise the risk of cross contamination by keeping products in clean, organised storage areas and handling them with care.

5. Product Handling and Storage

We store all products in accordance with the Middleton Foods guidelines and UK food safety requirements. Items are kept in dry, clean conditions and are rotated to ensure freshness.

We do not sell products past their best before or use by dates. If a product arrives damaged or appears compromised, please contact us immediately so we can investigate and resolve the issue.

6. Packaging and Delivery

Orders are packed carefully to protect products during transit. We use packaging that keeps items secure and reduces the risk of damage. Once dispatched, Royal Mail handles delivery, and parcels are tracked from our door to yours.

If your parcel arrives damaged or appears to have been tampered with, please let us know as soon as possible.

7. Customer Responsibilities

We ask customers to check ingredient lists and allergen information before purchasing and again when products arrive. If you have any concerns about a product, please contact us before consuming it.

If you believe a product contains incorrect allergen information or may pose a risk, please notify us immediately so we can investigate with the Middleton Foods.