You must provide allergen information for the 14 major allergens in food you sell. The requirements vary depending on how your food is sold:
- Prepacked food: Full ingredients list with allergens emphasised on the label
- Prepacked for Direct Sale (PPDS): Full ingredients list with allergens since October 2021 (Natasha's Law)
- Non-prepacked (loose) food: Allergen information available in writing or orally (with signage)
PPDS food is food packed by the same food business before it is offered for sale, on the same premises or site, or for sale from its moveable or temporary premises such as a market stall or mobile van. Sandwiches, salads, pies and baked goods are common examples. Food packed at the customer's request is not PPDS.
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Identify allergens in recipes
Review all ingredients and cross-contamination risks for each menu item.
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Label PPDS foods correctly
Include name, ingredients list with allergens emphasized, and date marking.
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Provide written information
Menus, chalkboards, or information packs for non-prepacked food.
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Train staff
Ensure all staff can answer allergen questions accurately. Use FSA's free allergen training.
Cross-contamination prevention
Beyond labelling, you must prevent cross-contamination between allergenic and non-allergenic foods:
- Separate storage for allergenic ingredients
- Dedicated equipment or thorough cleaning between uses
- Staff awareness of cross-contact risks
- Clear procedures for handling allergen-free requests
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations
Official guidance
Allergen guidance for food businesses (opens in a new tab)
FSA · England, Wales and Northern Ireland
FSA: Food hygiene ratings (opens in a new tab)
FSA · England, Wales and Northern Ireland
FSA: Safer Food, Better Business (opens in a new tab)
FSA · England and Wales
FSA guidance on distance selling (opens in a new tab)
FSA · England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Food labelling and packaging (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab)
FSA
Natasha's Law guidance (opens in a new tab)
FSA · England, Wales and Northern Ireland