A customer orders pasta carbonara through your app, suffers an allergic reaction to unlisted eggs, and holds your restaurant liable for missing allergen information. EU regulations apply to online ordering platforms just as strictly as in-restaurant dining. Your website and app must display complete allergen data for every dish.
Why allergen information online is crucial
Since 2014, all EU restaurants must provide allergen information across every ordering channel. Your website, app, and third-party platforms like Thuisbezorgd fall under the same legal requirements.
⚠️ Important:
Missing online allergen information that causes allergic reactions makes you fully liable. The law treats digital orders identically to in-person orders.
The 14 mandatory allergens
Each dish requires screening for these 14 EU-mandated allergens:
- Gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt)
- Crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crab)
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Soy
- Milk (including lactose)
- Tree nuts (almond, hazelnut, walnut, cashew, etc.)
- Celery
- Mustard
- Sesame seeds
- Sulfur dioxide and sulfites (>10 mg/kg)
- Lupine
- Mollusks (mussels, squid)
How to register allergens per dish
Break down every menu item by individual ingredients to identify allergens accurately. This ingredient-by-ingredient approach prevents oversights.
💡 Example: Pasta Carbonara
Ingredient analysis:
- Pasta: gluten
- Eggs: eggs
- Bacon: no allergens
- Parmesan cheese: milk
- Butter: milk
Final allergens: gluten, eggs, milk
Displaying allergens in your online system
Multiple display methods can communicate allergen information effectively:
1. Icons beside dish names
Place symbols or letters (G for gluten, M for milk) directly next to each item.
2. Dedicated allergen page
Create a comprehensive page listing all dishes with their respective allergens.
3. Cart notification system
Display allergen warnings when customers add items to their order.
💡 Display example:
Grilled Steak & Chips - €24.50
🥛 Contains: milk (garlic butter)
Classic Margherita Pizza - €12.00
🌾🥛 Contains: gluten, milk
Responsibility and disclaimers
Digital platforms require the same customer communication standards as physical locations. Include clear contact instructions for severe allergy cases.
"Customers with serious allergies should contact us directly. We take precautions against cross-contamination but cannot guarantee complete elimination."
⚠️ Important:
Recipe changes demand immediate online updates. Outdated allergen information creates the same liability as missing information entirely - a mistake that costs the average restaurant EUR 200-400 per month in compliance issues and potential claims.
Digital allergen registration
Manual allergen tracking creates time-consuming workflows and frequent errors. Digital management systems streamline this process by:
- Storing allergen data per ingredient
- Auto-calculating dish allergens
- Generating menu overviews
- Syncing updates across all items
This prevents missed allergens during ingredient substitutions.
💡 System advantage:
You replace your house mayo with a brand containing mustard. Digital systems update this once at ingredient level, automatically adding mustard alerts to all affected dishes.
Checking and updating
Monthly allergen audits maintain accuracy and legal compliance:
- Have new ingredients joined your inventory?
- Did suppliers modify their recipes?
- Are seasonal menu items properly documented?
- Do allergen page links function correctly?
Regular verification prevents incidents and maintains legal protection.
How do you set up allergen information online? (step by step)
Create an ingredient list with allergens
Go through all ingredients and note which of the 14 EU allergens they contain. Also check packaging of ready-made products like sauces and marinades.
Determine allergens per dish
Combine the allergen information of all ingredients per dish. Don't forget garnishes, sauces, or oil you use in preparation.
Choose a display method
Decide how you'll show allergens: symbols next to each dish, a separate page, or pop-ups during checkout. Make sure it's clear and easy to find.
Add disclaimers
Place clear text stating that guests with serious allergies should contact you and that cross-contamination is possible despite precautions.
Test and check regularly
Have someone else go through your online menu to check if allergen information is clear. Update immediately when you change recipes.
✨ Pro tip
Document your online allergen displays with dated screenshots every 2 weeks. During incidents, this timestamped evidence proves what information was available to customers.
Calculate this yourself?
In the KitchenNmbrs app you can do this in just a few clicks. 7 days free, no credit card.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I have to list allergens on Thuisbezorgd and Uber Eats?
Yes, EU regulations cover external platforms identically to your own website. You're legally required to provide allergen information regardless of the ordering channel used.
What happens if I forget to list allergens online?
Missing information that causes allergic reactions makes you liable for damages and potential food authority fines. The financial and legal consequences can be severe.
Can I just say 'may contain traces of nuts'?
No, you must specify which allergens actually exist in each dish. 'May contain traces' serves as additional warning text, not a replacement for specific allergen listing.
How often do I need to update my online allergen information?
Update immediately after any recipe changes or supplier switches. Conduct monthly reviews to verify accuracy, especially for seasonal menu items.
Do I have to list allergens for beverages?
Yes, drinks can contain allergens too. Wine contains sulfites, beer contains gluten, and specialty coffees often contain milk.
What's the difference between 'contains' and 'may contain' allergen warnings?
'Contains' indicates confirmed allergen presence in ingredients. 'May contain' warns about potential cross-contamination during preparation or manufacturing processes.
⚠️ EU Regulation 1169/2011 — Allergen Information — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/1169/oj
The allergen information on this page is based on EU Regulation 1169/2011. Recipes and ingredients may vary by supplier. Always verify current allergen information with your supplier and communicate this correctly to your guests. KitchenNmbrs is not liable for allergic reactions.
In the UK, the FSA enforces allergen regulations under the Food Information Regulations 2014.
📚 Sources consulted
- EU Verordening 852/2004 — Levensmiddelenhygiëne (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 853/2004 — Hygiënevoorschriften voor levensmiddelen van dierlijke oorsprong (2004) — Official source
- EU Verordening 1169/2011 — Voedselinformatie aan consumenten (2011) — Official source
- NVWA — Hygiënecode voor de horeca (2024) — Official source
- NVWA — Allergenen in voedsel (2024) — Official source
- Codex Alimentarius — International Food Standards (2024) — Official source
- FSA — Safer food, better business (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- BVL — Lebensmittelhygiene (HACCP) (2024) — Official source
- Warenwetbesluit Bereiding en behandeling van levensmiddelen (2024) — Official source
- WHO — Foodborne diseases estimates (2024) — Official source
Food Standards Agency (FSA) — https://www.food.gov.uk
The HACCP standards shown in this application are for informational purposes only. KitchenNmbrs does not guarantee that displayed values are current or complete. Always consult the FSA or your local authority for the latest regulations.
Written by
Jeffrey Smit
Founder & CEO of KitchenNmbrs
Jeffrey Smit built KitchenNmbrs from 8 years of hands-on experience as kitchen manager at 1NUL8 Group in Rotterdam. His mission: give every restaurant owner control over food cost.
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