食 Food UK-wide

UK food labels: finding allergen information

Major regulated allergens are usually emphasised within the ingredients list.

The useful answer

If someone in your household has a food allergy, recheck the ingredients every time rather than relying only on front-of-pack words such as “vegan” or “free-from”. Regulated allergens are emphasised in ingredients, but recipes can change.

Loose food and takeaways

Name the specific allergen when speaking to staff, and ask about sauces, stocks and cross-contact. For online orders, allergen information should be available before checkout.

Translation is not a guarantee

Phone translation can help with understanding, but safety decisions should rely on the original pack, business information and staff confirmation. Follow clinical advice for serious allergies.

Last reviewed 21 Sep 2026

Geographic scope UK-wide

Primary source Allergen guidance — Food Standards Agency ↗