A simple green pesto from your supplier contains both cashews and pine nuts - two allergens that could send a guest to the hospital. Many restaurants discover these hidden nuts only after a dangerous allergic reaction occurs. You must identify every nut allergen in your ready-made products before they reach your guests' plates.
The 8 EU-mandated nut allergens
The EU recognizes 8 different nuts as official allergens that you must always declare:
- Almonds - also in almond milk, amaretto, marzipan
- Hazelnuts - often in chocolate, Nutella-like products
- Walnuts - in pestos, sauces, bread
- Cashews - in vegan cheese substitutes, curries
- Pecans - in desserts, salads
- Brazil nuts - in nut mixes, some chocolates
- Pistachios - in ice cream, baklava, harissa
- Macadamia nuts - in cookies, chocolate
⚠️ Note:
Coconut and peanuts aren't nuts according to EU legislation. Coconut's a fruit, peanuts are legumes. These appear separately on the allergen list.
Hidden nuts in ready-made products
Nuts appear in products where you'd never expect them. Check these categories extra carefully:
- Pestos and tapenades - often pine nuts (not an EU allergen, but nut allergy risk)
- Curry pastes - cashews for creaminess
- Chocolate and candy - cross-contamination in factory
- Bread and crackers - nut flour or oil
- Dressings and sauces - walnut oil, almond oil
- Vegan products - cashew base for 'cheese' and cream
💡 Example of hidden nuts:
Green pesto from the supermarket:
- Basil, olive oil, garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Cashews (for creaminess)
- Pine nuts (traditional ingredient)
Both are nut allergens, but they're often buried in small print on the label.
Alternative names for nuts on labels
Manufacturers sometimes use different names. Watch out for these terms:
- Almonds: amygdalus, sweet almond oil
- Hazelnuts: filberts, corylus
- Cashews: anacardium occidentale
- Walnuts: juglans, walnut oil
Recognizing cross-contamination
Many products contain no nuts, but they're made in factories where nuts are processed. Look for these warnings:
- "May contain traces of nuts"
- "Made in a facility that also processes nuts"
- "May contain nuts" (on English products)
💡 Practical example:
Chocolate bar with no nuts in the ingredients:
- Ingredients: cocoa, sugar, milk, vanilla
- Warning: "May contain traces of hazelnuts"
For guests with severe nut allergies, this product is not safe.
Digital allergen registration
After managing kitchen operations for nearly a decade, I've learned that tracking hidden allergens manually leads to dangerous mistakes. A digital system like KitchenNmbrs helps you:
- Record all ingredients with their allergens
- Automatically calculate through to your dishes
- Quickly look up information when guests ask
- Make updates when you switch suppliers
⚠️ Note:
An app only registers what you enter. It remains your responsibility to read labels correctly and keep information up-to-date.
What to do if you're unsure
If you're not sure whether a product contains nuts:
- Contact your supplier - they have the complete product information
- Find an alternative - better safe than sorry
- Advise the guest not to order the dish - honesty prevents problems
With severe nut allergies, even traces can be dangerous. It's better to refuse a dish than to take a risk.
How do you check ready-made products for nuts? (step by step)
Read the allergen overview
First look at the bold allergen overview at the bottom of the ingredient list. All 8 EU nuts must be listed here if they are present.
Scan the full ingredient list
Also check the regular ingredient list for alternative names like 'amygdalus' (almond) or 'filberts' (hazelnuts). Nuts can also be hidden in compound ingredients.
Look for cross-contamination warnings
Watch for phrases like 'may contain traces of nuts' or 'made in a facility that also processes nuts'. For guests with severe allergies, these products are not safe.
Register everything digitally
Record all findings in your allergen registration per ingredient. Update this immediately if you switch suppliers or they change their recipe.
✨ Pro tip
Photograph ingredient labels of your 15 most-used ready-made products every month. You can show guests exact allergen information instantly, even when the original packaging's already in the bin.
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
Are pine nuts also nuts according to EU law?
No, pine nuts aren't on the list of 8 EU-mandated nuts. But people with nut allergies can react to them, so it's wise to mention them anyway.
What if a supplier can't provide allergen information?
Then you'd better not use the product. As a restaurant, you're responsible for correct allergen information. Find an alternative supplier who provides complete information.
How often should I update my allergen registration?
Check this at least with every new order. Suppliers can change their recipes without you noticing. Also check everything again when switching suppliers.
Can I ignore 'may contain traces of nuts'?
No, for guests with severe nut allergies, even the smallest traces can be dangerous. Always pass on this warning and advise against ordering the dish if in doubt.
⚠️ 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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