Allergen Chart
Allergen controls have really come into the spotlight over the last few years due to some high-profile casualties and the subsequent introduction of 'Natasha's Law'. They can sometimes seem an inconvenience to caterers, born from a belief that someone with a serious problem just wouldn't eat out. Fortunately, times are changing, and the responsibilities placed on businesses are usually met. The Allergen Chart is a convenient way to meet those responsibilities. There are 14 allergens that businesses are legally obliged to control in the UK -
- Celery
- Gluten containing cereals
- Crustaceans
- Eggs
- Fish
- Lupin
- Milk
- Mollusc
- Mustard
- Nuts
- Peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Soya
- Sulphur Dioxide
All 14 allergens will be printed in bold in ingredients lists on packaging. Businesses can use the chart to document the allergens contained within each dish they serve, so this information is readily available for customers. An addition to the CCFS allergen chart is the option to mark a dish as 'may contain'. Some dishes may not have specific allergens in the ingredients, but the absence may not be guaranteed because of the environment in which they are prepared. Stating a dish 'may contain' an allergen allows the customer to make an informed choice depending on the severity of their allergy.
The allergen chart opposite is available as a PDF download. Click the pic to view.