The 14 major allergens: list, hidden sources and labelling at the buffet
In the EU, 14 substances or groups must be declared as allergens (Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011). This also applies to non-prepacked food at buffets, in canteens and at catered events. For each allergen you will find what exactly belongs to it, which dishes often contain it unexpectedly and which exemptions the regulation lists.
All 14 allergens
| Code | Allergen | Includes e.g. |
|---|---|---|
| A | Cereals containing gluten Wheat (incl. spelt and khorasan wheat), Rye, Barley | Wheat (incl. spelt and khorasan wheat), Rye, Barley |
| B | Crustaceans Prawns, shrimps, scampi, Crabs, crayfish, Lobster, spiny lobster | Prawns, shrimps, scampi, Crabs, crayfish, Lobster, spiny lobster |
| C | Eggs Hen's eggs and eggs of other poultry, Egg white, yolk, whole egg powder, Products thereof | Hen's eggs and eggs of other poultry, Egg white, yolk, whole egg powder, Products thereof |
| D | Fish All fish species (e.g. salmon, tuna, cod, anchovies), Fish sauce, fish stock, fish oil as an ingredient, Products thereof | All fish species (e.g. salmon, tuna, cod, anchovies), Fish sauce, fish stock, fish oil as an ingredient, Products thereof |
| E | Peanuts Peanuts (botanically legumes), Peanut butter, peanut flour, Peanut oil | Peanuts (botanically legumes), Peanut butter, peanut flour, Peanut oil |
| F | Soybeans Soybeans and edamame, Tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk, Soy sauce, soy protein, soy flour | Soybeans and edamame, Tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk, Soy sauce, soy protein, soy flour |
| G | Milk Milk from cows, sheep, goats and other animals, Lactose, Butter, cream, cheese, yoghurt, quark, ghee, whey | Milk from cows, sheep, goats and other animals, Lactose, Butter, cream, cheese, yoghurt, quark, ghee, whey |
| H | Tree nuts Almonds, Hazelnuts, Walnuts | Almonds, Hazelnuts, Walnuts |
| I | Celery Celeriac, Celery stalks, Celery seeds and leaves | Celeriac, Celery stalks, Celery seeds and leaves |
| J | Mustard Mustard seeds, Mustard flour and powder, Prepared mustard | Mustard seeds, Mustard flour and powder, Prepared mustard |
| K | Sesame seeds Sesame seeds (white and black), Sesame oil, Tahini (sesame paste) | Sesame seeds (white and black), Sesame oil, Tahini (sesame paste) |
| L | Sulphur dioxide and sulphites Sulphur dioxide (E 220), Sulphites such as sodium sulphite, sodium bisulphite, sodium and potassium metabisulphite (E 221–E 228), To be declared above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l, expressed as total SO₂ in the ready-to-eat product | Sulphur dioxide (E 220), Sulphites such as sodium sulphite, sodium bisulphite, sodium and potassium metabisulphite (E 221–E 228), To be declared above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l, expressed as total SO₂ in the ready-to-eat product |
| M | Lupin Lupin seeds (sweet lupin), Lupin flour and lupin protein, Products thereof | Lupin seeds (sweet lupin), Lupin flour and lupin protein, Products thereof |
| N | Molluscs Mussels, clams, scallops, Oysters, Squid, calamari, octopus | Mussels, clams, scallops, Oysters, Squid, calamari, octopus |
Letter codes are not standardised in the EU. The table shows the codes Catering Cat uses. If you use codes at a buffet, always display a clearly visible legend.
Who has to declare allergens?
Everyone who supplies food to consumers – including caterers, hotels, restaurants, canteens and bakeries. For non-prepacked food in Germany, the LMIDV sets out how guests must be informed: usually in writing, e.g. on a card next to the dish, or orally on request if written documentation is easily accessible and guests are told about it.
What counts as “contained”?
The 14 allergens must be declared if they are present in the final food as an ingredient or processing aid – even in small amounts and even as part of a compound ingredient (e.g. mustard in a remoulade). A threshold exists only for sulphur dioxide and sulphites (above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l). “May contain traces” statements are voluntary and not regulated by law.
Common mistakes at the buffet
- Forgetting compound ingredients: stocks, sauces, dressings, spice mixes and convenience products often contain celery, mustard, gluten or milk.
- Recipe changed, card didn't: new suppliers or substitutes bring new allergens.
- Reading an empty allergen line as “allergen-free”: missing information is not a statement that the dish is free of allergens.
- Codes without a legend: guests can only read “A, G, I” if the meaning is shown.
Frequently asked questions
How many allergens must be declared?
In the EU there are 14 allergens or allergen groups under Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011: cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, tree nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, lupin and molluscs.
Are there official letter codes for allergens?
No. Letter codes are not legally fixed in the EU and differ between businesses and software. If you use codes, you must provide an understandable legend.
Do I have to declare traces?
No, trace statements are voluntary. Use them only where cross-contact cannot be ruled out despite good hygiene practice – not as a blanket precaution.
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Start for freeThis page summarises the rules in general terms and is not legal advice. When in doubt, ask your local food authority.