Trading Standards
People with food allergies have to take great care when eating out to avoid certain foods that could cause
them harm. As a business you have a legal obligation to ensure that any food you produce or prepare is safe.
These are the 14 allergens that you need to find out whether they are in the food that you make. Consumers
may ask about other ingredients, but these are the ones you have a legal obligation to know whether they
are in the foods that you make.
How the information can be supplied
The information can be supplied on the menu,
on chalk boards, tickets or provided verbally by
an appropriate member of staff. It must be clear
and conspicuous, not hidden away, easily
visible, and legible.
If the information is to be provided verbally by a
member of staff then it is necessary to make it clear
that the information can be obtained by asking a
member of staff by means of a notice, menu, ticket
or label that can easily be seen by customers.
It is no longer enough for businesses to say that they
do not know whether or not a food contains an
allergen and deny any knowledge, nor is it enough
to say that all their foods may contain allergens.
Allergen information must be specific to the food,
complete and accurate.
As a food business operator you cannot refuse
to provide specific allergen information on
foods served. You also cannot give incorrect or
misleading information on a menu or through
verbal communication.
Although there is a legal requirement to give all
information about the allergens that are within the food
you produce, there is no legal requirement to give
details of any cross contamination of allergenic
ingredients. As a business however you have a
responsibility to assess the allergens that are used on
the premises and reduce the likelihood of any cross-
contamination. This leaflet is aiming to help you identify
the allergens that you use as ingredients as well as
reducing cross-contamination in non-allergenic foods.
The risk assessment has been divided into three
sections covering Overall Management & Training,
Kitchen Procedures and Front of House. This will allow
you to assess whether the controls you currently have
in place are effective and if any improvements can
be made to ensure that the food you serve is safe.
If you are not certain that you can provide food that
is suitable for someone with a food allergy then you
should tell them, so they can then decide whether or
not to eat the foods you provide.
Food Allergen Risk
Assessment For Caterers
Food Allergens
Risk Assessment
From December 2014 there will be a legal obligation to supply information to consumers
on the allergens that are in the food that you produce.
An example of the wording:
Food Allergies and intolerances:
Please ask a member of staff if you require
information on the ingredients in the food we serve.