The 14 allergens
UK food businesses must be able to tell customers if food contains any of 14 allergens: celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, soya, and sulphur dioxide and sulphites. See the official allergen guidance for food businesses.
Which matter for paella?
Seafood paellas contain crustaceans and molluscs and often fish. Stocks can contain celery. Wine used in cooking can contain sulphites. Alioli usually contains egg. Your caterer should be able to tell you exactly what is in each dish.
Collect needs early
Ask about allergies on your invitation or RSVP, and record the guest’s name, the allergy and how severe it is.
Brief your caterer in writing
Send the list well before the day and confirm it in the final numbers. Ask how they will keep those dishes separate and labelled.
Cross-contact
Allergens can transfer between foods through shared spoons, boards and hands. Separate pans and utensils for each dish, and serving staff who know what’s in each, reduce the risk.
Severe allergies
For guests with severe allergies, talk to the guest directly as well as the caterer. Some guests prefer to bring their own food; make it easy and welcoming for them to do so.
Children’s allergies
Children may not be able to tell staff about their allergies. Make sure the parent and the caterer have talked, and that staff know which child needs which dish.
What to ask your caterer
- Can you give me allergen information for every dish?
- How do you keep allergen-free dishes separate?
- Will dishes be labelled at the serving table?
- Do your staff know what’s in each dish?
- What happens if a guest asks about an ingredient on the day?
A caterer who answers these clearly and confidently takes allergies seriously.
Allergens in tapas and desserts
It’s not only the paella that needs checking. Croquetas usually contain milk, egg and gluten. Alioli often contains egg. Tarta de Santiago contains almonds. Churros contain gluten. Manchego is made from milk. Ask your caterer for allergen information for every dish on the menu, not just the main course.
On the day
Make sure guests with allergies know which dish is theirs and who to ask if in doubt.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote.