Gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soy, dairy, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulfites, lupins, and mollusks—these are the 14 food allergens that every allergen menu must include. In this article, we explain what it is, why it’s important, and how to create one step by step for your restaurant.
What is an allergen menu?
As the name suggests, an allergen menu is a document that lists all the ingredients used in a restaurant’s dishes and drinks that may cause allergic reactions or food intolerances.
The main objective of this document is to provide customers with clear allergen information, ensuring food safety for people with allergies or intolerances.
Importance of an allergen menu
There’s no doubt about the importance of this type of document. Having an allergen menu in your hospitality business is essential to:
- Comply with current regulations
- Protect customers’ health by preventing allergic reactions or intolerances
- Improve your restaurant’s brand image
- Prevent cross-contamination with other products
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How to create an allergen menu for your business
If you’re wondering how to create an allergen menu for your restaurant or bar, here are the key steps:
1. Identify all allergens in your menu
Start by reviewing each dish on your menu and identifying all food allergens. This involves checking product labels, consulting suppliers, and considering possible cross-contamination. Every detail matters.
2. Design the allergen menu format
An allergen menu should be highly visual. Choose a clear, easy-to-read format adapted to your business. The 14 allergens are typically represented with symbols and colors to make them easy to identify.
3. Mark allergens clearly
Create a table where dishes are listed alongside allergens. Use an “X” or icons to indicate which allergens are present in each dish.
4. Add a legend
Symbols and colors are not enough on their own—include a clear legend explaining each allergen. Clarity is essential.
5. Include dish descriptions
It’s also helpful to include a brief description of each dish or drink, listing its ingredients and allergens.
6. Keep the information updated
Menus are constantly evolving in hospitality. Regularly review and update allergen information whenever you add or remove dishes. The goal is to always provide accurate information.
7. Train your staff
Providing a great customer experience also depends on your team. Ensure both kitchen and front-of-house staff understand the allergen menu and can answer customer questions.
Is an allergen menu mandatory?
If you’re wondering whether an allergen menu is mandatory, the answer is yes. It is required under European Union regulations, specifically EU Regulation 1169/2011, which states:
“There is evidence that most food allergy incidents are caused by non-prepacked food. Therefore, information on potential allergens should always be provided to consumers.”
Consequences of not providing allergen information
Failing to include allergen information in your hospitality business can have serious consequences:
- Public health risk: Not displaying allergens can endanger customers with food allergies or intolerances. Reactions can range from mild symptoms (such as itching or diarrhea) to severe cases like anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening.
- Loss of brand reputation: Safety and transparency are key to building trust. Without them, your brand reputation can suffer irreparable damage.
- Fines and penalties: Non-compliance with the law can result in financial penalties ranging from €100 to hundreds of thousands of euros, depending on severity.
- Legal claims: In serious cases, such as severe allergic reactions, businesses may face lawsuits, leading to both reputational and financial consequences.
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