The 14 Allergens in the UK and European Union

The Law Governing the 14 Allergens

In the United Kingdom, food allergen labelling rules come from the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. The UK adopted these rules into domestic law through the Food Information Regulations 2014. These laws apply across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Food allergies affect many people. Therefore, the UK and other European countries enforce strict regulations to protect consumers. These rules identify 14 major allergens that food businesses must clearly declare. As a result, people with allergies can make safe and informed choices.

What are the 14 Major Allergens?

The regulations require businesses to declare the following allergens:

  1. Cereals containing gluten
  2. Crustaceans
  3. Molluscs
  4. Eggs
  5. Fish
  6. Peanuts
  7. Nuts (including almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, brazils, pistachios, and macadamia nuts)
  8. Soybeans
  9. Milk
  10. Celery
  11. Mustard
  12. Sesame
  13. Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (at concentrations of more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre)
  14. Lupin

Food businesses must highlight these allergens in ingredient lists. They usually use bold text or provide a clear allergen statement. Moreover, the information must remain easy to read, visible, and accurate.

If businesses fail to comply, they may face serious consequences. For example, authorities can issue fines, demand product recalls, or even close the business.

In addition, restaurants, cafés, and takeaway outlets must provide allergen information for non-prepacked foods. Customers should receive this information on request.

Natasha's Law

Allergen labelling rules became even stricter after the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse. She suffered a fatal allergic reaction to sesame seeds in a baguette that lacked proper labelling.

At that time, businesses did not have to label freshly prepared food made on site. However, this changed in October 2021 with the introduction of Natasha's Law.

Now, businesses must provide full ingredient and allergen labelling on prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) foods. Consequently, customers receive clearer information and greater protection.

Allergens in Bubble Tea

Most bubble tea ingredients do not contain major allergens. However, businesses must pay close attention to milk and sulphites.

For example, many so-called “non-dairy creamers” actually contain sodium caseinate, which comes from milk protein. Therefore, businesses must label these products as containing milk. It is why our regular creamer powders are not named in a way that could cause confusion. Our vegan creamer is declared milk allergen-free.

Additionally, tapioca pearls often contain sulphites. Sometimes, levels exceed the legal threshold of 10 mg/kg, which triggers mandatory allergen labelling.

At Taipec, our in-house technical team ensures all products meet labelling requirements. Furthermore, we confirm that our bubble tea ingredients remain gluten-free. This gives businesses confidence when providing accurate nutritional and allergen information.

Keeping your staff trained in the 14 Allergens

Food businesses must stay up to date with allergen regulations. Since rules may change, regular staff training plays a vital role.

Ideally, every shop should have at least one staff member trained in Level 2 Food Safety. In addition, ongoing training helps staff handle food safely and communicate allergen information clearly.

Ultimately, proper training protects customers, ensures compliance, and reduces business risk.