People avoiding foods

It is certain that people with food allergies will visit your establishment from time to time. Acute, severe food allergy is thought to affect about half a million people in the UK – that’s one in every 120 people.

Food allergy is particularly common among children. For example, a Government report showed that one in 50 children is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts or both.

People with food allergies usually have some idea that they have a problem with a particular food, but may not expect a severe reaction. Anything you can do (as a food business) to encourage customers to explain what they need to avoid will be helpful.

Generally speaking, food-allergic customers need to know two things:
• What is in the food they would like to eat (ingredients)
• Whether the food they would like to eat has been protected from contact with a food allergen (eg nuts, egg, fish, milk) during preparation or service

It is important to provide accurate answers.