Ensuring food safety is a top priority for businesses in the UK, especially when it comes to allergens. Strict regulations exist to protect consumers and ensure transparency. Here's what food establishments need to know to stay compliant.

In the UK, allergen information is governed by the Food Information Regulations 2014, which aligns with EU Regulation 1169/2011. Following Brexit, the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019—also known as Natasha's Law—introduced additional requirements.

Mandatory Allergen Declarations

Businesses must inform customers if any of the 14 major allergens are present in their food:

• Celery
• Cereals containing gluten
• Crustaceans (e.g., crab, lobster)
• Eggs
• Fish
• Lupin
• Milk
• Molluscs (e.g., mussels, squid)
• Mustard
• Nuts (e.g., almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts)
• Peanuts
• Sesame seeds
• Soybeans
• Sulphur dioxide (if above 10mg/kg)

Prepacked Food (Natasha's Law)

Since October 2021, prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) foods—such as sandwiches made and packed on-site—must have a full ingredient list with allergens emphasized in bold, underlined, or highlighted.

Non-Prepacked Food (Restaurants & Takeaways)

• Allergen information must be clearly available on menus, signs, or provided upon request.
• Verbal communication must be supported with written records.

Online & Delivery Orders

• Allergen information must be available before purchase (e.g., on websites, apps).
• The same information must be provided at the time of delivery (e.g., on packaging, receipts).

Failing to provide correct allergen information can result in fines, legal action, and serious health risks for consumers. Some cases have led to criminal prosecution and significant reputational damage.