Allergen Awareness

How many major allergens must be declared under UK food law?

• A5
• B10
• C14✓
• D20

Answer: UK law requires declaration of 14 major allergens: celery, cereals (gluten), crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, and sulphites.

Which of the following is NOT one of the 14 major allergens?

• APeanuts
• BTree nuts
• CSesame
• DTurmeric✓

Answer: The 14 major allergens do not include turmeric. Turmeric is a spice but not classified as a major allergen requiring mandatory declaration.

What is Natasha's Law (2021)?

• AA law requiring allergen info on pre-packaged foods only
• BA law requiring full ingredient lists and allergen info on prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) foods✓
• CNot important
• DOnly applies to restaurants

Answer: Natasha's Law (2021) requires PPDS foods (made in-store, sold immediately) to display full ingredient lists with allergen highlighting, or allergen information available.

Which allergen is most commonly responsible for anaphylaxis?

• ACelery
• BSesame
• CPeanuts✓
• DMustard

Answer: Peanuts are among the most common allergens causing severe anaphylactic reactions. Tree nuts also cause severe reactions.

How should a food business communicate allergen information to customers?

• AVerbally only, no need to write it down
• BVia menu labels, ingredient lists, or staff training to answer questions accurately✓
• CNot required if asked
• DOnly for obvious allergens

Answer: Businesses must communicate allergen information via clear labelling, ingredient lists, or staff trained to provide accurate allergen information.

What is 'cross-contamination' in relation to allergens?

• ANot relevant to allergens
• BTransfer of allergen particles to non-allergenic foods through shared equipment, utensils, or preparation areas✓
• CIntentional allergen mixing
• DNot a food safety issue

Answer: Allergen cross-contamination occurs when allergen traces transfer to other foods via shared equipment, utensils, or surfaces.

Can washing a utensil used for peanuts remove all peanut allergen?

• AYes, ordinary washing is sufficient
• BNo; allergen proteins can persist; utensils must be thoroughly cleaned or dedicated to allergen-free foods✓
• COnly vinegar removes peanut allergen
• DIt doesn't matter

Answer: Peanut allergen proteins can persist even after washing. Utensils should be thoroughly washed or dedicated to nut-free foods.

What should a food business do if a customer has a severe peanut allergy and wants to order a meal?

• ARefuse to serve
• BServe the regular meal but mention peanuts are used
• CUse dedicated equipment, ingredients, and preparation area; verify no cross-contamination; clearly communicate allergen status✓
• DNo special precautions needed

Answer: Severe allergies require dedicated preparation areas, equipment, and ingredients to prevent cross-contamination. Clear communication is essential.

What is 'PPDS' in relation to Natasha's Law?

• AProtected packed dry storage
• BPrepacked for direct sale—food prepared in-store and sold immediately✓
• CPreserved packaged direct shipment
• DPre-packed dairy syrup

Answer: PPDS (Prepacked for Direct Sale) refers to foods made in-store and sold the same day, e.g., takeaway meals, bakery items, which require full allergen labelling.

Are tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts) and peanuts considered the same allergen?

• AYes
• BNo; tree nuts and peanuts are separate allergens (peanuts are legumes, not tree nuts)✓
• CPeanuts are tree nuts
• DIt doesn't matter

Answer: Peanuts are legumes; tree nuts are different. However, people allergic to one may be allergic to the other, so both are listed separately in the 14 major allergens.

What is the legal requirement for displaying allergen information on takeaway foods?

• AOptional
• BMust be on packaging or available in writing/verbally from trained staff under Natasha's Law✓
• COnly for large businesses
• DNo requirement

Answer: Under Natasha's Law, takeaway foods must have allergen information on packaging or clearly available and verifiable from trained staff.

Which of the 14 major allergens is a cereal grain containing gluten?

• ASesame
• BCelery
• CCereals (wheat, barley, rye, oats if contaminated)✓
• DMolluscs

Answer: 'Cereals containing gluten' is listed as a major allergen, covering wheat, barley, rye, and oats when not gluten-free.