Free Menu Allergen Checker

Paste your menu item's ingredients to detect the 14 EU regulatory allergens + 9 FDA major allergens. Helps you draft compliant allergen tags. No signup required.

Inputs

Regulatory region

Detected Allergens

EU + FDA regulatory framework

Paste ingredients on the left to see detected allergens.

The 14 EU Allergens + FDA Big 9

Two regulatory frameworks dominate global allergen disclosure:

EU Regulation 1169/2011

Requires declaration of 14 specific allergens on prepacked food labels and menus: Gluten (cereals containing wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut), Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Soy, Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, Celery, Mustard, Sesame, Sulphites (>10mg/kg), and Lupin.

FDA Big 9 (US, post-FASTER Act)

Requires declaration of 9 major allergens: Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean Shellfish, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soybeans, and (since January 2023) Sesame. Note: the FDA does NOT require Molluscs, Celery, Mustard, Sulphites, or Lupin disclosure.

For multi-region restaurants, comply with the strictest applicable framework.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this allergen checker a substitute for proper allergen training?
No. It is a preliminary screening tool to help operators draft allergen tags for their menu. It can miss allergens (e.g., hidden ingredients in pre-mixed sauces) and has no awareness of cross-contact during preparation. Always combine with proper allergen training (per local regulations: ServSafe Allergen in US, Level 2 Food Allergy Awareness in UK, FSANZ training in Australia) and consult your suppliers for ingredient details. For severe allergies, train staff to escort allergic guests through the menu in person.
Why does the EU framework list 14 allergens but FDA only 9?
The FDA does not require disclosure of Molluscs, Celery, Mustard, Sulphites, or Lupin — those are EU-specific requirements. Sesame became the 9th FDA major allergen in January 2023 via the FASTER Act. For multi-region operations, comply with the strictest applicable framework.
Does this work for menu items written in non-English languages?
The current keyword list is English-only. For Spanish, French, German, or other-language menus, translate ingredients to English before pasting, or use this tool as a preliminary check then verify with a native-language allergen guide. We're working on multilingual keyword lists for future versions.
What about cross-contact / cross-contamination?
This tool detects allergens IN the ingredients you list. It does not detect cross-contact during preparation (e.g., a fryer shared with breaded items, a knife used on shellfish then vegetables). Always disclose cross-contact risk separately on your menu. Recommended language: 'Items prepared in a kitchen with shared equipment; we cannot guarantee zero cross-contact for severe allergies.' This is honest and legally protective.
Are there any regulatory differences between EU and US allergen disclosure rules?
Yes. EU Regulation 1169/2011 mandates declaration of 14 allergens on labels and menus, with specific icon and text requirements. US FDA mandates the 'Big 9' (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame). California's ADDE Act adds additional disclosure requirements. For multi-jurisdiction operations, comply with the strictest applicable regulation.
Should I display allergens on every single menu item or in a summary section?
Both. Per-item allergen tags (small icons on the item card) handle most diners — they self-screen and know what to avoid. A summary section for the menu (often in the footer or About section) covers cross-contact warnings, contact information for severe-allergy guests, and supplier sourcing notes. Per-item tags + summary disclaimer is the gold standard.
What does 'may contain' vs 'contains' mean legally?
'Contains' is a definite declaration: the allergen is intentionally an ingredient. 'May contain' is a precautionary advisory: the allergen is not intentionally added but cross-contact risk exists. Most jurisdictions allow both labels but treat them differently. 'May contain' provides limited legal protection if a severe reaction occurs; 'contains' is the stronger, clearer disclosure where applicable.

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