Protecting your customers who have food allergies
Talking to your customers about food allergens keeps them safe and reassures them. It’s no bother to ask.
At least 10% of people on the island of Ireland have a food allergy, food intolerance, or coeliac condition. All of these affect their quality of life, and the symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
Good communication helps staff and customers manage food allergens safely.
Talking about allergens
If you run a café, restaurant, food truck or other catering business, clear communication is essential – from taking an order to serving food.
Watch these videos to see how it’s no bother to ask about allergens, whether you are talking to customers, servers or the kitchen staff.
Managing food allergens
Food businesses must legally protect customers by managing food allergens. This means providing clear and accurate information on the allergen content of the food they sell.
The video below gives a guide on how food trucks and other small food businesses can manage food allergens in small working spaces.
Allergen control for food trucks and other small spaces
Allergen control in catering
The video below shows how food supply businesses can manage food allergens.
Food Allergen Guide
The booklet below is a guide for catering businesses in Ireland on food allergens and protecting customers.
Download the booklet: Food Allergy & Intolerance: Guidance for the Catering Industry [PDF, 3.2MB]
Take our free online training on food allergen control: Safefood for Business training Module 6.
Keeping track of your allergenic ingredients
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has produced a free matrix to help you keep track of the allergenic ingredients in your food. This will help you to declare the allergenic ingredients in each of your dishes. You can download the matrix below.
Menu items allergen checklist [PDF]
