Allergen labelling on restaurant menus in the EU — what the rules say
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules are set partly at national level — check with your local food authority.
The EU rule in one paragraph
Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers requires the presence of the substances listed in its Annex II to be indicated (Article 9(1)(c)). For non‑prepacked food — which includes food served in restaurants — Article 44(1)(a) makes this allergen information mandatory, and Article 44(2) lets each Member State decide how it is made available. (EUR‑Lex, Regulation 1169/2011)
The European Commission's 2017 Notice adds that, in principle, any means of communication can be used (label, accompanying material, technology tools or verbal information), and that where a country has not adopted national measures, the information must be provided in writing and cannot be given only on request. (Commission Notice 2017/C 428/01, points 28–31)
The 14 allergens (Annex II, simplified)
- Cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats…)
- Crustaceans
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
- Milk (including lactose)
- Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamia)
- Celery
- Mustard
- Sesame seeds
- Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre)
- Lupin
- Molluscs
Annex II contains exceptions (for example some glucose syrups or fully refined soybean oil) — see the consolidated text.
Portugal
Portugal implements Article 44 through Decreto‑Lei n.º 26/2016. (Diário da República) The food authority DGAV explains that in restaurants it must be clearly indicated where allergen information can be obtained; the information must be available in writing or electronically, free and legible — supports include menus, websites, apps, posters and leaflets — and it may be given verbally only if it is also permanently available in writing or electronically to staff and inspectors and a visible notice invites customers to ask. (DGAV, Esclarecimento n.º 2; DGAV, informação ao consumidor)
France
France's rules come from Décret n° 2015‑447 of 17 April 2015, now in the Code de la consommation (articles R. 412‑12 et seq.). In places serving meals on the premises, allergen information — or how to consult it — must be given in writing, legibly and visibly in areas open to the public. (Légifrance; Service Public Entreprendre)
Practical tips for your menu
- Tag allergens per dish, and keep the tags with the dish in every language version.
- Use icons plus words — icons alone are ambiguous.
- Add a line inviting guests to tell staff about allergies.
- Re-check tags whenever a recipe or supplier changes.
Related: How to make a multilingual menu