Food businesses in Ireland must make written allergen information easy to find before non-prepacked food or drink is bought or supplied, according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Customers must be able to access the details without asking staff, and each declaration must clearly identify the specific food or drink it covers.
Under EU Regulation 1169/2011, businesses must declare 14 designated allergens whenever they are used to produce or prepare food or drink. In Ireland, the requirement for prepacked and non-prepacked food is implemented through S.I. No. 489 of 2014, as updated by S.I. No. 656 of 2024.
Check the menu, specials and service formats
For each service you offer, work through the relevant checks below.
- Food and drink: The FSAI says declarations are required for minor components, including sauces and condiments, and for non-prepacked drinks such as draught beer, cider, wine by the glass, juices and smoothies. When checking item-by-item declarations, include the drinks list and accompaniments, not just the main dishes.
- Daily specials: If you advertise specials separately on a chalkboard or display, the corresponding allergen declarations must be updated whenever the offering changes.
- Room service: Check the in-room menu: written declarations may appear directly on it, or it may clearly state where the central allergen records can be viewed.
- Catered meetings: For a mixed-sandwich platter at a small catered meeting, a standalone sign beside the platter can satisfy the written requirement if it lists the allergens for every sandwich type. Check that the sign distinguishes the types rather than treating the platter as one item.
- Remote and delivery orders: Where written allergen details are provided before ordering, the information must also be supplied at delivery, verbally or in writing.
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