Allergen Contamination - The 14 Major Allergens
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Food Allergen Information: Essential Guidelines for Food Businesses
**Food businesses** are required to provide clear information regarding the **allergenic ingredients** used in any food they sell or serve. If any of the **14 major allergens** are present as ingredients, this must be indicated, either on a **label** or through **provided information**, such as menus.
The 14 Major Allergen Groups
Let’s review each of the 14 major allergen groups and the common foods they are found in:
1. Celery
This includes **celery stalks, leaves, seeds**, and the root known as **celeriac**. Celery is commonly found in:
- Celery salt
- Salads
- Some meat products
- Soups
- Stock cubes
2. Cereals Containing Gluten
Wheat, rye, barley, and oats contain **gluten** and are often found in foods made with flour, including:
- Baking powder
- Batter and breadcrumbs
- Bread, cakes, and couscous
- Meat products and pasta
- Pastry, sauces, soups, and flour-dusted fried foods
3. Crustaceans
Crustaceans include **crabs, lobster, prawns,** and **scampi**. Additionally, **shrimp paste**, often used in Thai and Southeast Asian dishes, is a common allergen ingredient.
4. Eggs
Eggs can be found in a wide variety of products, such as:
- Cakes
- Some meat products
- Mayonnaise and mousses
- Pasta, quiche, and sauces
- Pastries or foods brushed or glazed with egg
5. Fish
Fish allergens may appear in ingredients like:
- Fish sauces
- Pizzas
- Relishes and salad dressings
- Stock cubes and Worcestershire sauce
6. Lupin
**Lupin** is a flower, but its flour and seeds are sometimes used in:
- Certain types of bread
- Pastries
- Pasta
7. Milk and Lactose
Milk is a common ingredient, found in:
- Butter, cheese, and cream
- Milk powders and yoghurt
- Foods brushed or glazed with milk
- Powdered soups and sauces
8. Molluscs
This group includes **mussels, land snails, squid,** and **whelks**, as well as:
- Oyster sauce
- Fish stews
9. Mustard
Mustard can be found in various forms, such as liquid, powder, and seeds, and is commonly included in:
- Breads and curries
- Marinades and meat products
- Salad dressings, sauces, and soups
10. Nuts
Not to be mistaken for peanuts, this allergen includes **tree nuts** like cashews, almonds, and hazelnuts. Common sources include:
- Bread, biscuits, and crackers
- Desserts and nut powders in curries
- Stir-fried dishes and ice cream
- Marzipan, almond paste, and nut oils
11. Peanuts
**Peanuts** are legumes and are often used in:
- Biscuits, cakes, and curries
- Desserts and sauces, such as satay sauce
- Groundnut oil and peanut flour
12. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are frequently found in:
- Bread (like hamburger buns)
- Breadsticks, houmous, and sesame oil
- Tahini and toasted in salads
13. Soya
**Soya** is commonly used in oriental foods and can be found in:
- Bean curd, edamame beans, and miso paste
- Textured soya protein, soya flour, and tofu</
