Which 14 allergens must be declared?

Cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, tree nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, lupin, and molluscs. These are set out in Annex II of EU Regulation 1169/2011, retained in UK law.

How must allergens be shown on a label?

On prepacked food, each of the 14 allergens must be emphasised within the ingredients list, typically in bold, so it stands out. Loose foods and food prepacked for direct sale must also make allergen information available, in writing under UK Natasha's Law.

What is the difference between peanuts and tree nuts?

Peanuts (groundnuts) are a legume and are listed separately from tree nuts such as almond, hazelnut, walnut and cashew. The two are distinct allergens, so a label must name the specific nut rather than say nuts generically.

When do sulphites have to be declared?

Sulphur dioxide and sulphites must be declared when present at concentrations above 10 mg per kilogram or 10 mg per litre, expressed as total sulphur dioxide. They are common preservatives in dried fruit, wine and processed meats.

Can I rely on this for someone with a severe allergy?

No. This is general reference only. For an individual's safety always read the actual product label and ask the food business directly, because recipes, cross-contamination risk and labelling change.

Food Allergen Reference

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The allergens that the law makes you declare

Food law in the EU and UK requires 14 specified allergens to be clearly declared wherever they are used as ingredients. This reference lists all 14, the common and hidden foods each one turns up in, and how it must appear on a label — useful for menu writers, food businesses, caterers and anyone double-checking a product.

How it works

The 14 allergens come from Annex II of EU Regulation 1169/2011 (the Food Information for Consumers Regulation), retained in UK law and reinforced by Natasha’s Law for food prepacked for direct sale. On prepacked food each allergen must be emphasised in the ingredients list:

1  Cereals containing gluten   wheat, rye, barley, oats
5  Peanuts                      satay, snacks, oils
8  Tree nuts                    almond, hazelnut, walnut, cashew
11 Sesame                       tahini, houmous, breadsticks

The specific cereal and the specific nut must be named — not just gluten or nuts — and sulphites must be declared above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L.

Tips and notes

Peanuts are a legume and are separate from tree nuts; both must name the specific source.
Allergens hide in sauces, stocks, dressings, batters and oils far more often than people expect.
Loose and prepacked-for-direct-sale foods must still provide allergen information, in writing under UK law.
This is general reference only — for anyone’s medical safety, always read the real label and ask the food business.