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The 14 Major Allergens

The 14 Major Allergens

The specific list of ingredients that must be legally declared to customers under EU Food Information for Consumers (FIC) Regulation.

These are: Celery, Cereals containing Gluten, Crustaceans, Eggs, Fish, Lupin, Milk, Molluscs, Mustard, Nuts, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Soya, and Sulphites. "May Contain" warnings are voluntary, but declaring the presence of these 14 as ingredients is mandatory in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if a chef accidentally drops flour into a gluten-free sauce?

This is allergen cross-contamination. The sauce must be discarded immediately. You cannot serve it. If a customer with Coeliac disease consumes it, they could suffer a severe reaction. If you knowingly serve it, you are liable for prosecution. You must have a system in place to manage and separate allergens in the kitchen.

Do I need to list every ingredient on my menu?

You are not required to list every ingredient, but you must clearly indicate the presence of any of the 14 specified allergens (e.g., Peanuts, Milk, Eggs, Gluten, Crustaceans). This information must be written and available at the point of presentation (menu, chalkboard) or clearly signposted so customers know where to find it (e.g., "Ask staff for Allergen Folder"). Verbal-only systems are no longer sufficient without written backup.