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Global Allergen Guide

Food Allergen Requirements by Country

See exactly which allergens must be declared on your food labels in the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia.

The US requires 9 allergens. The EU, UK, Canada, and Australia each require 10–14 allergens. If you export globally, you must comply with the strictest market your product enters. The most common exporter mistake is missing EU-specific allergens like celery, lupin, and molluscs.

Which Allergens Are Required in Each Country?

AllergenUS (FDA)EU (FIC)UKCanadaAustralia
Cereals containing gluten—
Crustaceans / Shellfish
Eggs
Fish
Peanuts
Soybeans / Soy
Milk / Dairy
Tree Nuts
Wheat————
Sesame
Celery———
Mustard——
Sulphites / Sulfites—
Lupin———
Molluscs——

How Must Allergens Be Declared in Each Market?

US (FDA)

Two options:

  • In a "Contains" statement immediately after or adjacent to the ingredient list
  • In the ingredient list with the allergen name in parentheses (e.g., "whey (milk)")
EU (FIC 1169/2011)

Strict formatting requirements:

  • Must be emphasized in the ingredients list itself
  • Bold, CAPITALS, or underline required
  • "Contains" statement alone is NOT sufficient
UK

Post-Brexit rules mirror EU:

  • Same 14 allergens as EU
  • Emphasis required in ingredients list
  • Natasha's Law requires full ingredient labeling on PPDS foods
Canada

CFIA requirements:

  • 10 priority allergens + gluten sources + sulphites
  • Must appear in ingredients list OR in a "Contains" statement
  • Must be in both official languages if bilingual label
Australia

FSANZ Standard 1.2.3:

  • 10 allergens required (similar to Canada)
  • Must be declared in ingredients list with bold/underline/ CAPITALS
  • Advisory statements required for some allergens (e.g., royal jelly)

Frequently Asked Questions About Global Allergen Labeling

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