Packaged food in the EU: how allergens must be shown on the label
Published 2026-10-04 · PlateNote
Corrected 2026-10-08: description: added the food-name exception; the table is described as a help to recognise allergen categories, not a complete list of label words.
Article 21 of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 sets how the 14 Annex II allergens appear on packaged food.
The rules
- The allergen is named in the list of ingredients, with a clear reference to its name as listed in Annex II.
- That name must be emphasised through a typeset that clearly distinguishes it from the rest of the list — for example by font, style (such as bold) or background colour.
- If there is no list of ingredients, the label must say “contains” followed by the allergen's name.
- No separate indication is needed when the name of the food clearly refers to the allergen (for example a product named after it).
Reading a label abroad
Look for the words in bold (or otherwise highlighted) in the ingredients list: those are the declared allergens, written in the official words of that language. Look for highlighted ingredient names. Our seven-language table helps you recognise the allergen categories; it is not a complete list of every ingredient name you may see on a label.
Note that the rules cover ingredients; “may contain” statements about cross-contact are a separate matter, so ask the manufacturer or staff when in doubt.
A card is a communication aid; it does not guarantee that food is safe.