Mustard Allergen: Where It Hides in Sauces, Marinades & Dressings

Mustard cross-contact typically occurs through shared utensils, sauce containers, and preparation surfaces. A knife used to spread mustard and then used for another task transfers the allergen. Shared dressing containers or sauce pumps used for mustard-containing products contaminate subsequent uses. Mustard powder in spice storage areas can contaminate other spices if containers are not sealed. On salad bars and buffets, shared serving utensils between mustard-containing and mustard-free items are a significant risk. Key controls: clean utensils thoroughly between uses, particularly knives and spreading implements. Store mustard and mustard-containing products in sealed, labelled containers away from mustard-free ingredients. On buffets and serve-yourself stations, use dedicated serving utensils for each dish and replace them regularly. When preparing mustard-free versions of dishes that normally contain mustard (such as salad dressings), make the mustard-free version first or use clean equipment. Wash hands after handling mustard before touching other ingredients.