# Allergen Matrix Template: free UK download

Canonical: https://paddl-ai.co/templates/allergen-matrix-template
Last reviewed: 2026-09-11 by the Paddl team

Free allergen matrix template for UK food businesses. Download a printable PDF or editable Excel spreadsheet covering all 14 UK allergens.

## In one sentence

The Allergen Matrix Template is a free PDF + Editable Spreadsheet for UK food businesses with 2 record sheets: grid layout with all 14 uk allergens as columns, menu item rows with space for dish names, key for marking: contains / may contain / free from. Download it, print it or fill it in, and keep it with your food safety records; Paddl keeps the same records on a phone with timestamps and reminders.

UK food businesses must provide accurate allergen information for all food sold. This free allergen matrix template lists all 14 legally specified allergens and provides a clear grid format for documenting which allergens are present in each menu item.

## Why you need it

- Natasha's Law requires allergen labelling on all pre-packed for direct sale foods
- The 14-allergen regulations apply to ALL food businesses, not just restaurants
- EHO inspectors check allergen documentation and may ask staff to demonstrate knowledge
- Allergen incidents can be fatal - accurate documentation is a legal and moral obligation

## What is included

- Grid layout with all 14 UK allergens as columns
- Menu item rows with space for dish names
- Key for marking: Contains / May Contain / Free From
- Allergen symbols reference sheet
- Notes column for supplier-specific information
- Update tracking row (date last reviewed, by whom)
- Separate sheets for food menu, drinks, and specials

## Record sheets

- **Allergen Matrix**: columns Menu Item, Celery, Cereals, Crustaceans, Eggs, Fish, Lupin, Milk, Molluscs, Mustard, Nuts, Peanuts, Sesame, Soya, SO2
- **Allergen Review Record**: columns Date, Reviewed By, Changes Made, Reason for Change, Signature

## How to use it

1. **List all menu items** Enter every item you sell - including sides, sauces, dressings, and drinks. Don't forget specials and seasonal items.
2. **Check every ingredient** Review supplier specifications and labels for every ingredient in each dish. Mark allergens present.
3. **Train your team** Ensure every staff member who takes orders or serves food can access and interpret the matrix.
4. **Review when anything changes** Update the matrix whenever you change a recipe, switch suppliers, or add new menu items.

## Tips

- Include "may contain" warnings where cross-contamination risk exists
- Keep supplier allergen specifications filed alongside your matrix
- Date and sign the matrix each time it's reviewed or updated
- Display a copy in the kitchen and keep one at the point of service
- Try Paddl's free AI-powered allergen matrix tool for automatic extraction from menus

Download the file from https://paddl-ai.co/templates/allergen-matrix-template (email required). The Paddl features that keep the same records: https://paddl-ai.co/features/allergens, https://paddl-ai.co/features/compliance, https://paddl-ai.co/features/mobile-app, https://paddl-ai.co/features/ai-powered, https://paddl-ai.co/features/suppliers, https://paddl-ai.co/features/knowledge, https://paddl-ai.co/features/team.