Allergen: Cereals containing gluten – what belongs to it, hidden sources and labelling
Cereals containing gluten is one of the 14 allergens that must be declared under Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 – including for non-prepacked food at a buffet. It covers wheat (incl. spelt and khorasan wheat), rye, barley. In Catering Cat the allergen has the code A.
What belongs to it?
- Wheat (incl. spelt and khorasan wheat)
- Rye
- Barley
- Oats
- Hybridised strains of these cereals and products thereof
Where is it often hidden?
- Breadcrumbs and roux (sauces, soups, stews)
- Soy sauce (usually brewed with wheat)
- Couscous, bulgur, pearl barley, seitan
- Stock, bouillon and spice mixes
- Beer and malt (e.g. in marinades or batter)
- Croutons, pasta, coatings
Exemptions under Annex II
- Wheat-based glucose syrups including dextrose
- Wheat-based maltodextrins
- Glucose syrups based on barley
- Cereals used for making alcoholic distillates
Tips for catering and buffets
- Name the cereal, e.g. “cereals containing gluten (wheat, barley)” – guests with a wheat allergy need it.
- Set up gluten-free dishes separately with their own serving utensils.
- Only claim “gluten-free” if the 20 mg/kg limit is reliably met.
How it appears on the buffet card
On the back of the card, the allergen is shown with its full name (“Cereals containing gluten”), as a short name (“Gluten”) or as the code “A” with a legend – depending on the display you choose in Catering Cat.
Frequently asked questions
Do oats have to be declared?
Yes. Oats are listed in Annex II as a cereal containing gluten and must be declared.
Do I have to name the cereal?
Yes. The regulation names the cereals; it is common and recommended to write e.g. “cereals containing gluten (wheat)”.
All 14 allergens
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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.