What the law says
Food businesses in the UK must be able to tell customers which of the 14 major allergens are in the food they serve. The Food Standards Agency’s allergen guidance explains the rules. The 14 are celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, soya and sulphur dioxide (sulphites).
Allergens in fish and chips
Battered fish obviously contains fish. Standard batter is made with wheat flour, so it contains gluten, and some batters contain egg or milk. Chips fried in the same oil as battered fish can pick up gluten and fish. Sauces vary: gravy and curry sauce may contain gluten, celery or mustard, depending on the recipe. Always ask your caterer for the allergen information for each item.
Collecting allergies from guests
- Ask on the invitation or RSVP: Do you have any food allergies or dietary needs?
- Ask for the guest’s name and the allergy, not just “nuts” or “gluten”
- Ask whether it’s severe
- Send the list to your caterer in writing
On the day
- Make sure allergen information is available at the serving point
- Tell guests with allergies to speak to the caterer at the hatch
- Know where the nearest hospital is, and make sure guests with severe allergies carry their medication
Coeliac guests
Coeliac disease isn’t a preference: even small amounts of gluten can make someone ill. See our guide to gluten-free fish and chips at events.
Allergies at self-service events
At events where guests help themselves, cross-contact is more likely: a spoon moves from one dish to another, or crumbs fall from one platter to the next. Serving from a hatch, where the caterer hands over each portion, makes it easier to keep things separate and answer questions.
Severe allergies
If a guest has a severe allergy, talk to them directly about what they’re comfortable eating. Some people with serious allergies prefer to bring their own food. Make sure the caterer knows, and that someone at the event knows what to do in an emergency.
Children with allergies
At children’s parties, ask parents about allergies when they reply. Keep food for children with allergies separate, labelled and served first, and make sure helpers know who has which allergy.
Labelling and signs
A small sign by the serving point listing the main allergens in each item helps guests make their own choices. It doesn’t replace asking the caterer, but it starts the conversation.
Quick answers
Must caterers tell us about allergens?
Yes. UK food businesses must provide information on the 14 major allergens.
Is battered fish gluten-free?
Not usually. Standard batter contains wheat flour.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.