NEW EU regulations mean restaurants and takeaways will be required by law to tell customers if any of the top 14 allergen ingredients are in the food they serve.

Research released by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Allergy UK found 70 per cent of those with allergies avoid buying takeaways, due to fear about allergens and a lack of trust in the information they are given. More than half of allergy sufferers (53 per cent) avoided eating in restaurants for the same reason.

Restaurants and takeaways now have to inform customers about 14 specific allergens that range from widely known ingredients such as nuts and milk, to less widely recognised allergens including mustard and lupin seed, which are often found in flour.

It is hoped these changes will bring a reduction in numbers of allergic reactions caused by people accidentally eating food they are allergic to. On average 10 people die and around 5,000 are hospitalised per year in the UK due to allergic reactions. The majority of these are avoidable but are due to incorrect information being given about allergenic ingredients in food when those with allergies are eating out – usually in a restaurant or takeaway.

Food businesses have the flexibility on how they provide allergy information; they can communicate it verbally through explanations by staff or signpost on where to find it.

The new EU Food Information for Consumers Regulations will also change the way allergy information appears on labelling for pre-packed foods bought in shops and supermarkets.

For more information on the EU FIC regulations please visit http://www.food.gov.uk/science/allergy-intolerance/.