What are the 14 allergens?
EU law lists 14 allergens that must be declared when used in food or drink: cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, lupin and molluscs.
Gluten means the cereals: wheat (including spelt and khorasan), rye, barley and oats. Nuts means tree nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and cashews; peanuts are listed separately.
Learn the list. A customer asking about one of these is not being fussy.
Remember
- Fourteen allergens, set in EU law.
- Peanuts and tree nuts are separate entries.
- Sulphites count when above the legal level.
Facts and sources for this section
- Under Regulation (EU) 1169/2011, 14 specific allergens must be declared when used to make food and drinks. [S5]
- The 14 allergens are: cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, lupin and molluscs. [S7]
What must customers be told?
For food that isn't prepacked, such as a café lunch or a deli salad, allergens must be shown in writing. In Ireland that means English, or Irish and English.
Customers must have the information before they buy, without having to ask. It must name the exact dish: 'Our food contains...' is not acceptable.
Use the word 'contains' and list the allergens: 'Spaghetti bolognese: contains milk, celery, wheat.'
Remember
- In writing, before the sale.
- Linked to the exact dish.
- 'Contains' followed by the allergens.
Facts and sources for this section
- For food that is not prepacked, allergens must be shown in writing where the food is presented, sold or supplied. [S5]
- In Ireland the written allergen information must be in English, or in Irish and English. [S5]
- Customers must have the allergen information before buying and must not have to ask for it. [S5]
- The information must name the exact food: 'Our food contains...' is not acceptable. [S5]
- For non-prepacked food, allergens are given with the word 'contains' followed by the allergens. [S5]
What about specials, drinks and deliveries?
Specials on a board need their allergen information updated each time the food changes. Drinks count too: wine by the glass, draught beer or cider, juices and smoothies.
Businesses that take orders by phone or online must give written allergen information, and again at the point of delivery.
A 'may contain' note can warn customers about possible traces, but it never replaces the required declaration.
Remember
- Change the menu, change the allergen information.
- Drinks and deliveries are included.
- 'May contain' is extra, never instead.
Facts and sources for this section
- For specials on a board, the allergen information must be updated each time the food changes. [S5]
- Drinks count too: wine by the glass, draught beer or cider, juices and smoothies. [S5]
- Businesses that take orders by phone or online must give written allergen information, and allergen information again at delivery. [S5]
- A 'may contain' warning does not replace the required allergen declaration under S.I. No. 489 of 2014. [S5]
How do I stop allergen cross-contact?
Follow your workplace's allergen procedure every time. Some kitchens colour-code equipment for specific allergens, such as nuts; use it as intended.
Wash your hands after handling food containing allergens. At delivery, check allergen ingredients arrive separated or properly packaged.
Your training must cover the 14 allergens and how to answer customers. If you don't know, say so and find out; never guess.
Remember
- Follow the allergen procedure.
- Separate equipment, clean hands.
- Never guess an allergen answer.
Facts and sources for this section
- Colour coding can separate equipment for raw or ready-to-eat foods, or for specific allergens such as nuts. [S3]
- Wash your hands before handling ready-to-eat food and after raw food, food containing allergens, and using your phone. [S3]
- At delivery, allergens should be segregated or packaged to prevent cross-contamination. [S3]
- Staff training must include identifying and handling the 14 allergens and responding to customer concerns. [S5]
Check what you've learned
Three questions from the test, with explanations. Tap an answer.
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is one of the 14 allergens?
Show the answer
Correct: B, Celery. Celery is one of the 14. The others include gluten cereals, milk, eggs, fish, nuts, peanuts, mustard, sesame, soybeans, sulphites, lupin, molluscs and crustaceans. [S7]
Question 2 of 3
In which language must written allergen information be given in Ireland?
Show the answer
Correct: C, English, or Irish and English. In Ireland it must be in English, or in Irish and English. [S5]
Question 3 of 3
Does allergen information apply to drinks like wine by the glass?
Show the answer
Correct: D, Yes: drinks such as wine by the glass, draught beer, juices and smoothies count. Drinks count too, including wine by the glass, draught beer or cider, juices and smoothies. [S5]