Food allergies are a major public health concern in Europe. Approximately 6% of children and over 3% of adults are affected, according to the French Health Insurance. An allergen is a substance that can trigger an allergic reaction, intolerance or immune response. In response to this issue, European regulations require the declaration of 14 specific allergens on food packaging or near non-prepackaged food items.
Table of Contents:
What is a food allergen?
An allergen is a substance that triggers an allergic reaction, intolerance or immune response after contact, inhalation or ingestion. It is therefore essential that these substances be clearly indicated on product packaging. This ensures the safety of allergic consumers.
The 14 allergens requiring mandatory declaration
- Cereals containing gluten: wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut and derived products.
- Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, macadamia, Brazil nuts, Queensland nuts, pistachios and derived products.
- Crustaceans and crustacean-based products.
- Celery and celery-based products.
- Eggs and egg-based products.
- Mustard and mustard-based products.
- Fish and fish-based products.
- Soy and soy-based products.
- Milk and milk-based products (including lactose).
- Sulphur dioxide and sulphites in concentrations exceeding 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l.
- Sesame seeds and sesame seed-based products.
- Lupin and lupin-based products.
- Peanuts and peanut-based products.
- Molluscs and mollusc-based products.
Food allergen regulations
European regulations require food professionals to inform consumers about the presence of allergens. Indeed, establishments that serve meals for on-site consumption or takeaway must display a list of allergens present in their products.
- Non-prepackaged products: the presence of allergens must be indicated on a sign near the product.
- Prepackaged products: the presence of allergens must be clearly indicated on the label.
Consumers must have quick access to this information. For example, in bakeries, the allergen list can be included on the price label or made available in a binder, with a visible sign indicating access conditions.
Allergen labeling in bakeries
Bakeries must comply with strict rules regarding allergen labeling. It is imperative that bakers properly inform customers about the presence of allergens in their products. To learn more about legal labeling requirements in bakeries, consult our complete guide.
Conclusion
Allergen declaration is crucial to ensure the safety of allergic consumers and enable them to make informed choices. By complying with these rules, food professionals contribute to public health protection.
