EU Allergen Labeling Rules
In the EU, 14 major allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list - typically in bold, italics, or UPPERCASE. These are:
- Gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats)
- Crustaceans
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
- Milk (including lactose)
- Tree nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, macadamias)
- Celery
- Mustard
- Sesame
- Sulphur dioxide (sulphites > 10mg/kg)
- Lupin
- Molluscs
Where to Find Allergen Information
Look in three places on the package:
- Ingredients list - allergens highlighted in bold/caps
- "Contains" statement - summary below ingredients (e.g., "Contains: milk, wheat, soy")
- Precautionary warnings - "May contain traces of..." or "Produced in a facility that processes..."
What "May Contain" Really Means
"May contain traces of nuts" does NOT mean nuts are an ingredient. It means:
- The product is made in a facility that also processes nuts
- Cross-contamination is possible but not certain
- The manufacturer cannot guarantee zero contamination
For food allergies (anaphylaxis risk): Take these warnings seriously - even traces can be dangerous.
For intolerances (e.g., lactose): "May contain traces of milk" is usually safe - the actual amount is typically negligible.
Common Label Traps
Hidden allergen names
| Allergen | Hidden names to watch for |
|---|---|
| Milk | Casein, whey, lactalbumin, ghee |
| Wheat | Semolina, durum, spelt, kamut, couscous |
| Eggs | Albumin, lysozyme, meringue |
| Soy | Edamame, miso, tempeh, textured vegetable protein |
| Peanuts | Groundnuts, arachis oil, monkey nuts |
Formula changes
Manufacturers can change recipes without warning. A product that was safe last month may not be safe today. Check the label every single time you buy a product.
"Natural flavors"
"Natural flavors" or "spices" can sometimes contain allergens. If the label is vague, contact the manufacturer.
Quick Label-Reading Checklist
- ✅ Check the bold/highlighted ingredients first
- ✅ Read the "Contains" statement
- ✅ Check for "May contain" warnings
- ✅ Look for certification marks (gluten-free, vegan, etc.)
- ✅ Scan the barcode with FoodScan.ai for instant allergen breakdown
- ⚠️ Check date - did the label/formula change recently?
- ❌ Never assume - always read, even for familiar products
