The EU 14 Allergens: Complete Guide for UK and European Families

The EU 14 Allergens: Complete Guide for UK and European Families

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Food labelling law in Europe operates on a framework of 14 major allergens - and knowing this list is essential for any family managing food allergies or intolerances. Following Brexit, the United Kingdom retained this same framework through the UK Food Information Regulations 2014, meaning the rules largely align on both sides of the Channel. Here is everything you need to know, including the key differences between EU/UK coverage and US law that may surprise you.

The Full List of 14 Allergens

The following 14 substances must be clearly indicated on pre-packaged food sold in the UK and EU, typically by appearing in bold in the ingredient list:

#	Allergen	Common Sources
1	Cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut)	Bread, pasta, pastries, beer, couscous
2	Crustaceans	Prawns, crab, lobster, crayfish
3	Eggs	Baked goods, pasta, mayonnaise, quiche
4	Fish	Fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Caesar dressing
5	Peanuts	Peanut butter, satay sauce, some biscuits
6	Soybeans	Tofu, miso, edamame, many processed foods
7	Milk	Butter, cheese, cream, milk powder, ghee
8	Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, macadamia, Brazil nuts)	Marzipan, praline, nut oils
9	Celery	Stocks, soups, celery salt, some crisps
10	Mustard	Mustard condiment, some sauces, marinades, salad dressings
11	Sesame seeds	Tahini, hummus, sesame oil, bread coatings
12	Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (>10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre)	Dried fruit, wine, beer, some preserved meats
13	Lupin	Lupin flour, lupin seeds, some pasta and bread
14	Molluscs	Mussels, oysters, squid, scallops

EU/UK vs. US: What the Americans Don't Cover

The United States currently recognises 9 major allergens - milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame (added in 2023). Comparing the two frameworks reveals some important gaps:

• Celery, mustard, lupin, molluscs, and sulphites are covered in the UK/EU but not in the US
• Crustaceans and molluscs are split in the EU (two separate categories) but grouped as "shellfish" in the US

This matters if you travel between the US and UK, or purchase products imported from North America - the label requirements are different.

The Allergens Most Often Overlooked

Lupin: A Hidden Danger for Coeliac Families

Lupin is a flowering legume whose flour is increasingly used in food manufacturing - and it is particularly treacherous for families managing coeliac disease. Because lupin flour provides a good protein boost and a slightly nutty flavour, it is used in some gluten-free products as a wheat flour substitute. A family reaching for a gluten-free bread or pasta may inadvertently encounter lupin - and lupin cross-reacts with peanut allergy in some individuals. Always check labels on gluten-free products for lupin, especially if there is a known peanut allergy in the household.

Sulphites: Easy to Miss, Widely Present

Sulphur dioxide and sulphites are preservatives found in a surprising number of everyday foods:

• Dried fruit (especially apricots, raisins, and cranberries)
• Wine and beer
• Some cured and preserved meats
• Fruit juices and cordials
• Vinegar-based condiments

Sulphite sensitivity (distinct from true allergy) can trigger asthma symptoms, hives, and gastrointestinal distress. The threshold for mandatory declaration in the UK/EU is above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre.

Celery: Surprisingly Widespread

Celery and celeriac must be declared when used as an ingredient. You may find it in:

• Ready-made stocks and bouillon cubes
• Shop-bought soups
• Some varieties of crisps and snacks
• Spice mixes and seasonings

How Allergens Appear on Packaging

In UK and EU law, the 14 allergens must be emphasised in the ingredient list - most commonly by being printed in bold typeface. Some manufacturers use italics, capitals, or underline instead, all of which are compliant. The key is that the allergen must be visually distinct from surrounding text.

Pre-packaged food: full ingredient list with bolded allergens is mandatory.

Loose and catering food (food sold unpackaged, such as in a bakery or deli counter): allergen information must still be available, but can be provided verbally or on a written notice. Ask staff directly.

Eating Out: Your Rights in UK Restaurants

Since December 2014, food businesses in the UK have been legally required to provide allergen information for every dish. Since 2021, Natasha's Law extended this to pre-packaged for direct sale (PPDS) foods - items wrapped on the premises before sale (such as sandwiches made and wrapped in-shop). These must carry a full ingredient list with allergens emphasised.

When eating out, do not rely solely on menus. Speak to a staff member, ask that your query is passed to the kitchen, and confirm that cross-contact precautions can be taken.

For independent guidance and support, Allergy UK and Anaphylaxis UK are the leading patient organisations for families navigating allergies in the United Kingdom.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. If you suspect a food allergy or intolerance, consult your GP or a qualified allergist. Do not rely on this article as a substitute for professional medical evaluation. pashutFree is not liable for decisions made based on this content.