Disclosure: This article is written by Shaun McManus, founder of SmartPubTools and creator of the Restaurant Console. All operational claims reflect genuine experience at Teal Farm Pub, Washington.
What Are the Allergen Laws for UK Restaurants in 2026?
Key Takeaway: Under Natasha’s Law (October 2021) and the Food Information Regulations 2014, UK restaurants must provide allergen information for all 14 regulated allergens on request. Pre-packed-for-direct-sale (PPDS) food must have full ingredient and allergen labelling. Failure risks prosecution, unlimited fines, and EHO enforcement.
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By Shaun McManus | Last Updated: May 2026
Allergen management is not optional — it is a life-safety obligation. The UK has 14 regulated allergens that must be declared whenever present in food served to customers.
The 14 Regulated Allergens in the UK
| Allergen | Common sources in restaurant food |
|---|---|
| Celery | Stocks, soups, celery salt, some spice mixes |
| Cereals containing gluten | Wheat, rye, barley, oats — bread, pasta, flour, beer |
| Crustaceans | Prawns, crab, lobster, crayfish |
| Eggs | Pasta, mayonnaise, cakes, battered foods |
| Fish | Fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Caesar dressing |
| Lupin | Lupin flour in some pastries, breads, pasta |
| Milk | Butter, cream, cheese, whey |
| Molluscs | Oysters, mussels, squid, snails |
| Mustard | Mustard seeds, powder, oil — condiments, marinades |
| Nuts (tree nuts) | Almonds, cashews, walnuts — sauces, desserts, garnishes |
| Peanuts | Peanut oil, satay sauce, some stir-fry sauces |
| Sesame | Sesame oil, tahini, hummus, burger buns |
| Soybeans | Soy sauce, tofu, some margarines |
| Sulphur dioxide and sulphites | Wine, dried fruit, vinegar, some processed meats |
What Natasha’s Law Requires
Natasha’s Law (in force from 1 October 2021) requires Pre-Packed for Direct Sale (PPDS) food — food packaged on the premises before a customer selects or orders it — to carry full ingredient labelling with allergens emphasised in bold. PPDS includes sandwiches made and wrapped in advance, packaged salads, and grab-and-go items assembled before sale. It does NOT include food packaged in the customer’s presence or standard menu items.
Food Information Regulations 2014 — What Restaurants Must Do
For standard à la carte and set menus, you must be able to provide allergen information for all 14 allergens on request. This must be accurate, up to date, and available before the customer orders. You can provide it verbally (if staff are trained), on written menus, or via a separate allergen matrix. An allergen matrix is best practice — easiest to maintain and update.
Allergen Training — What Staff Must Know
Every FOH staff member who takes orders must: know all 14 allergens, know where to find allergen information for every dish, never guess (always check), know how to handle a declared severe allergy, and inform the kitchen of any allergen request before preparation. Training must be documented — EHO inspectors check allergen training records. At Teal Farm Pub, allergen training records are reviewed every six months and whenever the menu changes.
For full EHO preparation see the EHO inspection checklist. For HACCP food safety records see the HACCP template guide.
📦 Useful Equipment for This Task
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🪧 Food Safety Signage — hand washing, allergen and food safety notices. Required displays for EHO inspection readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Natasha’s Law and does it apply to restaurants?
Natasha’s Law (October 2021) requires full allergen labelling on PPDS food. Standard restaurant meals fall under the Food Information Regulations 2014 — allergen information must be available on request.
What are the 14 allergens UK restaurants must declare?
Celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, and sulphur dioxide and sulphites.
Do UK restaurants have to have a written allergen menu?
Not specifically written — it can be verbal (with trained staff) or on menus. An allergen matrix is best practice.
What happens if a restaurant fails an allergen compliance check?
Lower food hygiene rating, Hygiene Improvement Notice, prosecution with unlimited fines, and in serious cases potential manslaughter charges.
How often should restaurant allergen information be updated?
Every time the menu changes — including recipe, ingredient, or supplier changes. Seasonal menus require a full allergen review at each change.
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