Buying food online in the EU: allergen information before you pay
Published 2026-10-09 · PlateNote
Article 14 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 covers “distance selling” — web shops, apps and other ways of buying food without being in the shop.
Packaged food bought online
- The mandatory food information (which includes the 14 allergens) must be available before the purchase is concluded, on the web page or through another clearly identified means — and without charging you extra for it. The only exception is the durability date.
- All mandatory particulars must also be available at the moment of delivery.
Food that is not packaged
For non-prepacked food ordered at a distance (for example a restaurant meal ordered online), Article 14 points to the Article 44 rules: allergen information is mandatory, and each country decides how it is given — see our guide on eating out in the EU.
Tip: if a delivery app does not show allergen information for a dish, ask the restaurant directly before ordering, and check again at delivery.
Make your own free allergy card. Tick your allergens, add a second language in the official EU wording, and get a printable PDF by email.
A card is a communication aid; it does not guarantee that food is safe.