The context: 14 allergens to communicate
In the European Union, the food information regulation (Regulation INCO, EU 1169/2011) requires food businesses to make information on the 14 major allergens present in the dishes they serve available to customers. It is a general obligation to inform: guests must be able to find out which allergens are in what they order.
The regulation allows some flexibility in how that information is provided — in writing, verbally, on the menu, or on a support guests can consult. A digital menu is one of the possible ways to keep this information clear and always up to date, but it does not replace checking your own obligations.
Why a digital menu helps
A digital menu does not change your obligations, but it makes displaying allergens clearer and more reliable day to day:
- Tag each dish with its allergens, right next to the name and price.
- Let guests filter the menu by what they can’t eat, so they only see compatible dishes.
- Update allergens instantly when a recipe or supplier changes — no reprinting.
- Offer the same information in multiple languages, useful for tourists and international guests.
- Avoid smudged, unreadable, or outdated paper inserts tucked into the menu.
Example display of the 14 allergens
For illustration, here are the 14 allergen categories that must be declared in the EU, with a few example dishes. This list is general: always adapt the labelling to your actual recipes.
| Allergen category | Example dish affected |
|---|---|
| Gluten (cereals) | Pasta, bread, breaded dishes |
| Crustaceans | Bisque, seafood platter |
| Eggs | Mayonnaise, pastries |
| Fish | Sauce, stock, fish dish |
| Peanuts | Satay sauce, some desserts |
| Soya | Soy sauce, tofu, marinades |
| Milk (lactose) | Creamy sauce, cheese, ice cream |
| Tree nuts | Pesto, toppings, pastries |
| Celery | Stock, soup, salad |
| Mustard | Dressing, sauce, marinade |
| Sesame (seeds) | Bread, hummus, garnish |
| Sulphites (SO₂) | Wine, dried fruit, some sauces |
| Lupin | Lupin flour in some breads |
| Molluscs | Mussels, squid, snails |
Verify your legal obligations
A digital menu or QR code is a convenient way to display allergen information, but on its own it is not proof of compliance. The applicable rules, accepted formats, and display requirements vary by country, region, and type of establishment.
Before relying on a single support, verify your exact obligations with official sources and the relevant authority in your country (for example, in France, the DGCCRF). When in doubt, have your allergen information setup validated by a professional or the relevant administration.