The 14 allergens
By law, food businesses in the UK must tell you if food contains any of these.
- CeleryStalks, leaves, seeds and celeriac. In soups, stock cubes, salads and spice mixes.
- Cereals containing glutenWheat, rye, barley and oats. In bread, pasta, flour, cakes, batter and sauces.
- CrustaceansPrawns, crab, lobster and crayfish. In shrimp paste and some curries.
- EggsIn cakes, mayonnaise, fresh pasta, sauces and food brushed with egg.
- FishIn fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dressings and some pizzas.
- LupinLupin flour and seeds. In some breads, pastries and pasta.
- MilkButter, cheese, cream, yoghurt, ghee and milk powder.
- MolluscsMussels, oysters, squid and snails. In oyster sauce.
- MustardSeeds, powder and leaves. In dressings, marinades, sauces and curries.
- Tree nutsAlmonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios and macadamias. In pesto and marzipan.
- PeanutsAlso called groundnuts. Peanut oil, satay, some curries and desserts.
- SesameSeeds, tahini, hummus, sesame oil and some breads.
- SoyaTofu, soya sauce, edamame, soya flour and many ready meals.
- Sulphur dioxide and sulphitesIn dried fruit, wine, beer and some meat products.
Call 999 if someone has a bad reaction
Trouble breathing, a swollen face or throat, or collapsing. If they have an adrenaline pen, use it.
Not sure? Ask. Never guess. Check labels every time, because recipes and products change.