Good allergen communication starts before the order is placed and continues through preparation and service. Written information is valuable, but it should lead to a confident, informed conversation—not leave the customer alone with a dense matrix and no support.

Before you go

  • Check the business’s current menu and allergen information, but do not assume an old screenshot or saved menu is still accurate.
  • Call ahead if your questions depend on kitchen practices, shared equipment or a particular service period.
  • Ask whether suitable options are available and how cross-contact is controlled.
  • Follow your personal allergy plan and carry any prescribed medication as directed.

At the restaurant or café

01

State the allergy clearly

Explain the specific allergen and that this is an allergy, not a preference. If peanuts and tree nuts affect you differently, say so.

02

Ask for current information

Check the written allergen information and ask whether recipes, garnishes, sauces, oils or suppliers have changed.

03

Ask about preparation

Ingredients information does not by itself explain shared fryers, utensils, worktops or other cross-contact routes.

Confidence is part of the decision

If staff cannot verify the answer, do not let pressure make the decision for you.

A busy queue, social occasion or already-placed order does not make unclear information safer. Ask for a responsible person, choose another option or decide not to eat if the risk cannot be understood.

Ordering a takeaway

For takeaway food, information about the 14 regulated allergens must be provided before you buy and again when the food is delivered. The FSA advises asking the business to label containers where several people’s meals are ordered so the allergy order is easy to identify.

  • Put the allergy information into the order and also speak directly with the business where needed.
  • Check that the person answering can communicate the requirement to the kitchen.
  • Confirm which delivered container is the allergy order.
  • Recheck before eating if anything is substituted, missing or different from what was agreed.

Emergency action

Suspected anaphylaxis needs immediate action.

The NHS advises using an adrenaline auto-injector if available, calling 999 and saying you think it is an anaphylactic reaction. Follow the instructions on the injector and your personal emergency plan.

Read the full NHS guidance ↗

Evidence base

Official sources