Food allergies and intolerances can make choosing products more complicated. Clear information matters, but customers should always check the details for the specific product they intend to buy.
What is a food allergen?
A food allergen is an ingredient that can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. A food allergy is different from a food intolerance, although both can require careful ingredient checking and professional advice.
The 14 allergens recognised by UK food law
UK food businesses must clearly identify certain allergens when they are used as ingredients. The 14 regulated allergens are:
- Celery
- Cereals containing gluten, including wheat, rye, barley and oats
- Crustaceans, such as prawns, crabs and lobsters
- Eggs
- Fish
- Lupin
- Milk
- Molluscs, such as mussels and oysters
- Mustard
- Peanuts
- Sesame
- Soybeans
- Sulphur dioxide and sulphites above the legally specified concentration
- Tree nuts, including almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios and macadamia nuts
People can also be allergic or intolerant to ingredients outside this list. The list identifies the allergens that must receive specific emphasis under UK allergen-labelling rules; it is not a complete list of every substance that could cause a reaction.
How to check a product before buying
- Read the product description. Review the ingredients and allergen information shown on the individual product page.
- Check the physical label. When the product arrives, read the packaging before opening or consuming it. Recipes, suppliers and packaging can change.
- Look for precautionary statements. Wording such as “may contain” can indicate a possible cross-contact risk. Treat this information seriously if it is relevant to your allergy.
- Check every size or flavour separately. Different variants of a product may not have identical ingredients or manufacturing arrangements.
- Contact us before ordering if anything is unclear. Tell us the exact product and pack size so we can review the available supplier information.
Allergen information for The Gourmet Variety products
We provide ingredient and allergen information with the individual product information and/or product labelling, where applicable. Because product recipes, suppliers and manufacturing information can change, the packaging supplied with the product should always be checked before consumption.
We do not recommend relying only on general category descriptions, product photographs or previous purchases when managing an allergy. Information should be checked for the exact product currently supplied.
Cross-contact and “may contain” information
Cross-contact can happen when an allergen is unintentionally transferred to another food during manufacturing, packing, storage or handling. Where a manufacturer provides relevant precautionary allergen information, customers should consider it together with the ingredient list and their own healthcare advice.
Absence of a particular precautionary statement should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a product is suitable for every allergy. If you need confirmation beyond the information shown on the product page or packaging, please contact us before purchasing.
What to do if you have a food allergy
If you or someone you are buying for has a diagnosed or suspected food allergy, follow the advice provided by a qualified healthcare professional. Do not consume a product when the ingredient or allergen information is unclear.
For general information about allergies and symptoms, visit the NHS allergies guidance. For official UK information on allergen labelling, see the Food Standards Agency allergen guidance.
Need help with a product?
Please contact us before ordering if you need clarification about a specific product. Include the full product name and pack size. You can also read our Frequently Asked Questions.
This article provides general information and is not medical advice. Product packaging and healthcare advice should take priority when managing an allergy or intolerance.
