Allergen Management: The Complete Guide for UK Food Businesses

Allergen management is one of the most critical compliance areas for UK food businesses. Under the Food Information Regulations 2014 and Natasha's Law (effective October 2021), every food business must declare the presence of 14 major allergens in their food, whether prepacked, prepacked for direct sale (PPDS), or served loose. Getting it wrong can be fatal. Allergen reactions cause around 10 deaths per year in the UK, and hundreds of hospitalisations. Beyond the human cost, allergen failures lead to prosecution, unlimited fines, business closure, and reputational damage that can be impossible to recover from. This guide covers every aspect of allergen management from a food business operator's perspective. It goes beyond listing the 14 allergens to explain where each one hides in menus, how to prevent cross-contact in your kitchen, what your labels must include, how to train your staff, and what tools make compliance manageable. Each article includes practical steps you can implement today.