Within the European Union, any of the 14 foods listed below need to be emphasised in the ingredients list when used in a pre-packed food – for example in bold, capitals or by highlighting.

• Celery
• Cereals containing gluten – for example wheat, barely and rye
• Crustaceans – for example lobster and crab
• Eggs
• Fish
• Lupins
• Cow's milk
• Molluscs – for example mussels and oysters
• Mustard
• Nuts – for example almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios and cashews
• Peanuts
• Sesame seeds
• Soybeans
• Sulphur dioxides and sulphites (preservatives used in some foods and drinks) at levels above 10mg per kg or per litre

Allergy advice statement

An allergy advice statement may also be used to direct consumers to the ingredient list for allergen information.

If there is a chance that a food may also contain minute amounts of allergen – because it is produced on the same line or in the same factory as other products that contain ingredients known to cause allergy – an additional voluntary statement with the word "also" may follow. For example, "Also not suitable for customers with peanut allergy".

This information enables consumers to understand more about the ingredients in pre-packed foods. It is also helpful for people with food allergies and intolerances who need to avoid certain foods.