Food Allergies

When someone has a food allergy, eating even a small bit of that food can make them very ill.  Sometimes they could even die.  So it is very important that food allergies are taken seriously.

When someone has a food allergy, eating even a small bit of that food can make them very ill.  Sometimes they could even die.  So it is very important that food allergies are taken seriously.

Types of food found to cause a problem:-

• Peanuts
• Nuts
• Milk
• Soya
• Mustard
• Lupin seed and flour
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Gluten
• Sesame seeds
• Celery
• Sulphur dioxide

When someone asks if a food contains a particular ingredient, always check every time – never guess.  If you check but you are still not sure, tell the customer so they can decide for themselves.  If you are selling a food that contains one or more of these ingredients which can cause a problem, list them on a card label or menu and make sure the information is accurate.

If you are making food for someone with an allergy, make sure work surfaces and equipment have been thoroughly cleaned.  And wash your hands thoroughly before preparing that food.

The Environmental Health Department monitors allergy information given to consumers in the routine food standards inspections.
 

Downloads

www.food.gov.uk/allergy

Contact

Karen Phillips
Senior Environmental Health Officer
Food Control/Infectious Diseases

Genevieve McWilliams
Senior Environmental Health Officer
Food Control/Infectious Diseases