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This week has marked Food Allergy Awareness Week.

If you serve food or beverages in the European Union, it is essential to be well-informed about the regulations surrounding food allergens.

What are food allergens?

Food allergens are substances present in certain foods that can trigger an immune response in individuals with food allergies. These allergic reactions occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless proteins in food as threats and mounts a defensive response.

Food allergens can cause a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe and life-threatening reactions. Understanding food allergens is crucial for individuals with allergies, as well as for food manufacturers, restaurants, and healthcare professionals who play a role in ensuring food safety for all consumers.

The 14 allergen groups

14 major allergen groups have been identified under EU legislation. These are:

• Gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats)
• Crustaceans (such as crab, lobster, prawns, shrimps)
• Eggs
• Fish
• Peanuts
• Soya
• Milk and dairy products (including lactose)
• Nuts and tree nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, etc.)
• Celery
• Mustard
• Sesame seeds
• Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (preservatives found in some food and drinks)
• Lupin (a legume belonging to the same plant family as peanuts)
• Mollusks (e.g., clams, mussels, oysters, scallops)

Dealing with allergens: your responsibilities as a food operator

Food operators bear a significant responsibility when it comes to allergens. They are required to be vigilant and proactive in managing allergens to safeguard the health and well-being of consumers.

It is essential to establish and implement proper procedures and ensure that your catering teams are trained in dealing with allergens, including:

• Adequately preparing your catering operation to handle allergens
• Preventing cross-contamination and using proper food storage processes
• Understanding the potential impact of allergens on your customers
• Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction
• Complying with the latest legislation

In the European Union, strict allergen legislation is in place to protect consumers and ensure that they have access to clear information about potential allergens present in food products. Businesses are required to clearly indicate the presence of any allergens in their products. These requirements apply to both pre-packaged foods and foods sold loose or unpackaged.

As a caterer, it is your duty and responsibility to ensure you fully comply with the legislation.

For further information, check out the official rules on food labelling.

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