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Food Allergens

What are the 14 major food allergens?

What are the 14 Major Food Allergens? Find out on Erudus.com

The EU legislation, EU Food Information Regulation No. 1169/2011 (FIR) and Food Information for Consumers Regulation (FIC) came into force on the 13th December 2014 impacting all Caterers, food Retailers, Wholesalers and foodservice companies.

Caterers and food businesses are required by law to be able to provide customers with accurate information on the EU’s 14 major food allergens if they are included in any of the food products they produce, sell or serve.

You’ll find a list of the 14 major food allergens below.

THE 14 MAJOR FOOD ALLERGENS

What to look for on the label and common foods containing the allergen

Celery

This includes celery stalks, leaves, seeds and the root. Celery is usually found in celery salt, salads, some meat products, soups and stock cubes.

What to look for on the label

Celariac or Celeriac, Celery leaf, Celery salt, Celery seed, Celery stalk

Common foods containing celery

Bouillon, curry, Marmite, prepared salads, processed meat products, sausages, savoury snacks, spice mixes, soups, vegetable juice

Surprising foods containing celery

Batter for frozen foods, cured bacon (celery juice is sometimes used in its preparation), flavoured crisps, marmite, ready meals, sandwiches that have been pre-prepared, spice mixes, stock cubes

Symptoms of a celery allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to celery

Bok choi, cucumber, fennel, jicama

Find out more about a Celery allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Celery.

What to look for on the label

Barley, Couscous, durum Wheat, Einkorn, Faro, Kamut, Malt, Oat, Rye, Semolina, Spelt, Wheat

Common foods containing cereals

Baked goods, baking mixes, bread, cereals, chocolate, condiments, crackers, pasta, pastry, sauces

Surprising foods containing cereals containing gluten

Bouillon cubes, broths and stocks, certain blue/veined cheeses, chewing gum, chips and fries, ground spices, lagers, stouts and IPAs, mayonnaise, mustard, ready-made pasta sauces, roasted nuts, salad dressings, salt and vinegar crisps, vodka

Symptoms of a cereals containing gluten allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives for cereals containing gluten

Chia seeds, coconut flour, corn flour, flax flour, millet, quinoa, rice, rice flour, xanthan gum

Find out more about a Cereals Containing Gluten allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Cereals Containing Gluten.

What to look for on the label

Amphipods, Barnacles, Crabs, Crayfish, Hermit Crabs, Isopods, Lobsters, Mantis Shrimp, Mussel Shrimp, Mysids, Prawns, Sea Spiders, Shrimp

Common foods containing crustaceans

Asian salads, Chinese products, fish paste, fish soup, fried rice, paella, prepared sauces, soups, Thai curry

Surprising foods containing crustaceans

Bouillabaisse, fish stock, nutritional supplements

Symptoms of a crustaceans allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to crustaceans

Chia seeds, coconut flour, corn flour, flax flour, millet, quinoa, rice, rice flour, xanthan gum

Find out more about a Crustacean allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Crustaceans.

What to look for on the label

Albumin, Apovitellin, Cholesterol free egg substitute, Dried egg solids, Dried egg, Egg, Egg wash, Egg white, Egg yolk, Eggnog, Fat substitutes, Globulin, Livetin, Lysozyme, Mayonnaise, Meringue, Meringue powder, Ovalbumin, Ovoglobulin, Ovomucin, Ovomucoid, Ovotransferrin, Ovovitelia, Ovovitellin, Powdered eggs, Silici albuminate, Simplesse, Surimi, Trailblazer, Vitellin, Whole egg

Common foods containing eggs

Artificial flavourings, baked goods, cakes, custard, egg-glazed pastry, hollandaise, ice cream, mayonnaise, marshmallow, marzipan, meringue, lecithin, natural flavourings, nougat, pasta, salad dressing, tartare sauce

Surprising foods containing eggs

Artificial crab meat (Surimi), artificial flavourings, bagels, baked pretzels, fresh pasta, lollipops, marshmallows, pies, protein shakes, wine

Symptoms of a egg allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to eggs

Applesauce, Ener-G egg replacer, ground flaxseeds and water, Loprofin egg replacer, Loprofin egg white replacer, mashed banana, No-egg replacer, nut butters, silken tofu

Find out more about a Eggs allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Eggs.

Fish

You may find fish sauces in pizzas, relishes, salad dressings, stock cubes and Worcestershire sauce.

What to look for on the label

Anchovies, Bass, Catfish, Cod, Flounder, Grouper, Haddock, Hake, Halibut, Herring, Mahi Mahi, Perch, Pike, Pollock, Salmon, Scrod, Snapper, Sole, Swordfish, Tilapia, Trout, Tuna

Common foods containing fish

Bouillabaisse, Caesar salad and Caesar dressing, caponata - a Sicilian eggplant/aubergine relish, gelatine, dips, imitation or artificial fish or shellfish (“sea legs” or “sea sticks” is one example), meatloaf, nam pla (fish sauce), pizza, relishes, soups

Surprising foods containing fish

Barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce

Symptoms of a fish allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to fish

Crabs, dried mushrooms, dried seaweed, jackfruit, prawns, seaweed, seitan, tofu, vegan fish

Find out more about a Fish allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Fish.

Lupin

Lupin is a flower, but it is also sometimes found in flour and sometimes used in bread, pastries and pasta.

What to look for on the label

Lupine, Lupin bean, Lupin flour, Lupin seed

Common foods containing lupin

Crepes, deep-coated or fried vegetables such as onion rings, pancakes, pastry cases, pies, pizzas, products containing crumb, vegetarian meat substitutes, waffles

Surprising foods containing lupin

Animal-free milk, chicken bouillon, chicken soup, cookies

Symptoms of a lupin allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to lupin

Chickpeas, chickpea flour, coconut flour, corn flour, peanuts, peanut flour, rice flour, wheat flour

Find out more about a Lupin allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Lupin.

Milk

Milk is found in dairy products such as butter, cheese, cream, milk powders and yoghurt. Some foods are also glazed with milk during or before cooking. Milk is also commonly found in powdered soups and sauces.

What to look for on the label

Milk — 1% Milk, 2% Milk, acidophilus Milk, buttermilk, buttermilk blend, buttermilk solids, cultured Milk, condensed Milk, dried Milk, dry Milk solids (DMS), evaporated Milk, fat-free Milk, full cream Milk powder, goat’s Milk, lactose-free Milk, low-fat Milk, malted Milk, Milk derivative, Milk powder, Milk protein, Milk solids, Milk solid pastes, nonfat dry Milk, nonfat Milk, nonfat Milk solids, pasteurised Milk, powdered Milk, sheep’s Milk, skim milk, skimmed Milk, skim Milk powder, sour Milk, sour Milk solids, sweet cream buttermilk powder, sweetened condensed Milk, sweetened condensed skim Milk, whole Milk

Butter - Artificial butter, artificial Butter flavour, Butter, Butter extract, Butter fat, Butter flavoured oil, Butter solids, dairy Butter, natural Butter, natural Butter flavour, whipped Butter

Caseinates — Ammonium caseinate, Calcium caseinate, Casein, Hydrolyzed casein, Iron caseinate magnesium caseinate, Potassium caseinate, Sodium caseinate, Zinc caseinate

Cheese — Cheese (all types), Cheese flavour (artificial and natural), Cheese food, imitation Cheese, vegetarian Cheese with casein

Cream - Clotted cream, Cream, Double cream, imitation Sour cream, Single cream, Sour cream, Sour cream solids, Whipped cream

Dairy products - Curds, Custard, Dairy product solids, Galactose, Ghee, Hydrolysates — Casein hydrolysate, Milk protein hydrolysate, Protein hydrolysate, Whey hydrolysate, Whey protein hydrolysate Ice cream, Ice milk, Sherbet, Casein, Whey, Lactalbumin, Lactulose, Lactoferrin, Lactoglobulin, Milk protein, Hydrolysate, Lactalbumin, Lactalbumin phosphate, Lactate solids, Lactic yeast, Lactitol monohydrate, Lactoglobulin, Lactose, Lactulose, Milk fat, anhydrous milk fat, Nisin preparation, Nougat, Pudding, Quark, Recaldent, Rennet, Rennet casein, Simplesse® (fat replacer), Whey — acid whey, Cured whey, Delactosed whey, Demineralised whey, Hydrolyzed whey, Powdered whey, Reduced mineral whey, Sweet dairy whey, Whey, Whey protein, Whey protein concentrate, Whey powder, Whey solids, Yogurt (regular or frozen), Yogurt powder

Common foods containing milk

Butter, buttermilk, caramel flavouring, cream, cheese, chocolate, custard, flavouring, ghee, high-protein flour, ice cream, instant mash, lactic acid starter culture, milk, milk powder, natural flavouring, rice cheese, soy cheese, yoghurt

Surprising foods containing milk

Canned tuna, chewing gum, flavoured crisps, hot dogs, margarine, pâté, steak

Symptoms of a milk allergy

AAbdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to milk

Almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, rice milk, soy milk, vegan butter, vegan cheese

Find out more about a Milk allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Milk.

Molluscs

Molluscs include mussels, land snails, squid and whelks, and can also be found in oyster sauce - which is commonly used in fish stews.

What to look for on the label

Abalone, Clams and cockles, Mussels, Mussels, Octopus, Oysters, Scallops, Snails, Squid

Common foods containing molluscs

Calamari, ethnic or international food, L’escargot, mussel dishes, scallops, soups, sauces, stews

Surprising foods containing molluscs

Black risotto, fish stock, stout (beer)

Symptoms of a molluscs allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to molluscs

Fish sauce, pureed mushroom, teriyaki, Worcestershire sauce

Find out more about a Mollusc allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Molluscs.

Mustard

This includes Mustard in the form of powder, liquid and seeds. This ingredient is used in breads, curry, marinades, meat products, salad dressings, sauces and soups.

What to look for on the label

Mustard, Mustard flour, Mustard leaves, Mustard oil, Mustard powder, Mustard seeds, sprouted Mustard seeds

Common foods containing mustard

Barbecue Sauce, béarnaise sauce, chutney, Cumberland Sauce, curry sauce, dehydrated soups, flavouring or seasonings, gravies, Indian foods, ketchup or tomato sauce, marinades, mayonnaise, pesto, piccalilli, pickled products, salad dressings (including vinaigrettes and cruditées), sauces, sausages and processed meat products, soups, spices, vegetables with vinegar

Surprising foods containing mustard

Fish paste, hamburger patties, pizza, processed meat, salad cream

Symptoms of a mustard allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to mustard

Caraway seeds, horseradish, turmeric, wasabi

Find out more about a Mustard allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Mustard.

Nuts (Tree nuts)

Nuts (excluding Peanuts) refers to nuts that are grown on trees; unlike peanuts, which are grown underground. This includes cashew nuts, almonds and hazelnuts.

Read our guide to the different types of (Tree) Nuts here.

What to look for on the label

Almond, Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Cashew, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Pecan Nuts, Macadamia or Queensland Nuts, Pistachio Nuts, Walnuts

Detailed List: –

Almond, Almond paste, Anacardium nuts, Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae) [botanical name, Cashew], Bertholletia excelsa (Lecythidaceae) [botanical name, Brazil nut], Carya illinoensis (Juglandaceae) [botanical name, Pecan], Cashew, Castanea pumila (Fagaceae) [botanical name, Chinquapin], Hazelnut, Juglans spp. (Juglandaceae) [botanical name, Walnut, Butternut, Heartnut] Karite (shea nut), Lichee nut, Litchi chinensis Sonn. Sapindaceae [botanical name, Lichee nut] Lychee nut, Macadamia nut, Macadamia spp. (Proteaceae) [botanical name, Macadamia nut/Bush nut], Mandelonas, Marzipan, Mashuga nuts, Nangai nuts, Natural nut extract (for example, almond extract), Nougat, Nu-Nuts®, Nut butters (e.g., Almond butter, Hazelnut butter, Brazil nut butter, Macadamia nut butter, Pistachio nut butter, Shea nut butter, Karike butter, as well as other nut butters), Nut meal, Nutella ®, Nutmeat, Nut oil (e.g., Walnut oil as well as other nut oils), Nut paste, Nut pieces, Pecan, Pigñolia, Pili nut, Pine nut, Pine nut (Indian, piñon, pinyon, pigndi, pigñolia, pignon nuts), Pinon nut, Piñon or Piñon nut, Pinus spp. (Pineaceae) [botanical name, Pine nut/piñon nut], Pistachio, Pistacia vera L. (Anacardiaceae) [botanical name, Pistachio], Pralines, Prunus dulcis (Rosaceae) [bontanical name, almond] Shea nut, Sheanut, Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. (Sapotaceae) [botanical name, Shea nut] Walnut (English, Persian, Black, Japanese, California)

Common foods containing nuts

Artificial flavourings, baked goods, barbecue sauce, chocolate spread, chocolates, crackers, desserts, mortadella, natural flavourings, nougat, pesto, salad dressings

Surprising foods containing nuts

Brown ale, curry paste, energy bars, flavoured and speciality coffee, frozen puddings and desserts, gin, ice-cream, pad thai, veggie burgers, vegan cheese, vodka

Symptoms of a nuts allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to nuts

Chickpeas, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, soy beans, toasted oats, tiger nuts

Find out more about a Nut allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: (Tree) Nuts.

Peanuts

Peanuts are often used as an ingredient in biscuits, cakes, curries, desserts, sauces, groundnut oil and peanut flour.

What to look for on the label

Arachis oil, Arachis oil, Arachis, Arachis hypogaea, Artificial nuts, Beer nuts, Boiled Peanuts, Cold pressed Peanut oil, Crushed nuts, Crushed Peanuts, Earth nuts, Extruded or expelled Peanut oil, Goober peas, Ground nuts, Ground Peanuts, Hydrolyzed Peanut protein, Kernels, Mandelonas, Mixed nuts, Monkey nuts, Nut pieces, Nutmeat, Peanut butter, Peanut butter chips, Peanut butter morsels, Peanut flour, Peanut paste, Peanut protein, Peanut sauce, Peanut syrup, Virginia Peanuts

Common foods containing peanuts

Artificial flavouring, baked goods, candy, chocolate, crumb toppings, egg rolls, enchiladas, ethnic and international foods: African, Asian, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, fried foods, hydrolyzed plant protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, marzipan, mole sauce, natural flavouring, nougat

Surprising foods containing peanuts

Chilli, crackers, curry sauce and paste, energy bars, flavoured and speciality coffee, frozen puddings and desserts, ice cream, Indian food, salad dressing, sauces, soup, veggie burgers

Symptoms of a peanuts allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to peanuts

Cashew nuts, tahini, tiger nuts

Find out more about a Peanuts allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Peanuts.

Sesame

Sesame seeds are found commonly in bread, usually sprinkled on buns such as hamburger buns, bread sticks, and are also used to make hummus, sesame oil and tahini.

What to look for on the label

Benne, Benne seed, Gingelly, Gingelly oil, Sesame oil, Sesame seeds

Common foods containing sesame

Bagels, bread, butter, chutney, crackers, dressings, dips, hummus, marinades, sauces, soups, tahini, toast

Surprising foods containing sesame

Baba ganoush, cereal, margarine, melba toast, noodles, pretzels, processed meats, rice cakes, risotto, salads, shish kebabs, stews, stir fry, vegetarian burgers, sushi

Symptoms of a sesame allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to sesame

Almonds, avocado oil, cashew nuts, chia seeds, olive oil, peanut oil, perilla, poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds

Find out more about a Sesame allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Sesame.

Soya

Soya is found in bean curd, edamame beans, miso pates, textured soya protein, soya flour or tofu, and is a staple ingredient in oriental food. It can also be found in desserts, ice cream, meat products, sauces and vegetarian products.

What to look for on the label

Bean curd, Edamame (soybeans in pods), Hydrolyzed soy protein, Kinnoko flour, Kyodofu (freeze dried tofu), Miso, Natto, Okara (soy pulp), Shoyu sauce, Soy albumin, Soy concentrate, Soy fibre, Soy formula, Soy grits, Soy flour, Soy lecithin, Soy milk, Soy miso, Soy nuts, Soy nut butter, Soy oil, Soy protein, Soy protein concentrate, Soy protein isolate, Soy sauce, Soy sprouts, Soya, Soya flour, Soya milk, Soya nuts, Soybean, Soybeans, Soybean curd, Soybean flour, Soybean granules, Soybean paste, Supro, Tamari, Tempeh, Teriyaki sauce, Textured soy flour (TSF), Textured soy protein (TSP), Textured vegetable protein (TVP), Tofu, Yakidofu, Yuba (bean curd), Textured vegetable protein, Vegetable starch, Vegetable gum

Common foods containing soya

Asian foods: Japanese, Chinese, Thai, artificial flavouring, baked goods, bean sprouts, canned tuna, edamame beans, hydrolyzed plant protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), miso, natural flavouring, surimi, soy milk, soy oil, soy sauce, tamari sauce, teriyaki sauce, tofu, vegetable broth, vegetable gum, vegetable starch

Surprising foods containing soya

Bean curd, bread crumbs and breaded foods, canned broth and soup, canned tuna and meat, cereal, crackers, chocolate, eggs (via chicken feed), hamburger meat with soy protein fillers, high-protein energy bars, hot dogs, infant formula and formula, low-fat peanut butter, margarine, mayonnaise, nutritional supplements for toddlers and children, meal replacements, sausages, smoothies, tempeh, textured vegetable protein, vegetable oil

Symptoms of a soya allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

Alternatives to soya

Chickpeas, chickpea flour, coconut, dried milk, green peas, milk, polenta, rice milk

Find out more about a Soya allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Soya.

Sulphur Dioxide (Sulphites)

This is an ingredient often used in dried fruits and in some meat products, soft drinks, vegetables, wine and beer. Asthmatics have a higher risk of developing an allergy to sulphites.

What to look for on the label

Dithionite, E220 Sulphur dioxide, E221 Sodium sulphite, E222 Sodium hydrogen sulphite, E223 Sodium metabisulphite, E224 Potassium metabisulphite, E226 Calcium sulphite, E227 Calcium hydrogen sulphite, E228 Potassium hydrogen sulphite, E150b Caustic sulphite caramel, E150d Sulphite ammonia caramelMetabisulphite,, Potassium bisulphite, Sodium bisulphite, Sulphur, Sulphur Dioxide, Sulphite, Sulphites, Sulphiting agents, Sulphurous acid

Common foods containing sulphur dioxide

Beer, bottled lemon juice and lime juice, cider, condiments (bottled sauces etc.), dehydrated, pre-cut or peeled potatoes, dried fruit eg dried apricots, prunes, raisins etc, fresh or frozen prawns, grape juice, guacamole, maraschino cherries, pickled foods, some processed meat products, some soft drinks, tinned coconut milk, vegetable juices, vinegar, wine

Surprising foods containing sulphur dioxide

Baked goods with dried fruit, canned/frozen fruits, cereal, dehydrated fish, molasses, noodle and rice mixes, soy products

Symptoms of a sulphur dioxide allergy

Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, face and/or throat swelling, hives, mouth itching or tingling, red, itchy rash (either raised or not raised), shortness of breath and/or wheezing, sneezing, wheezing, vomiting and nausea.

An allergic reaction may also result in anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Symptoms include collapsing and losing consciousness, difficulty breathing, faintness and dizziness, swollen tongue and issues with speaking or swallowing.

What’s an alternative for sulphur dioxide?

There have been several experimentations with sulphur dioxide alternatives in the past, including ascorbic acid, but there are not many sulphur dioxide substitutes.

Find out more about a Sulphur Dioxide allergy in our Allergen Deep Dive: Sulphur Dioxide.

Even more allergen support

Our guide to the 14 Major Food Allergens

Don't forget to download our handy free guide to the EU's 14 Major Food Allergens for even more information, including 'What to look for on the label' plus 'Common foods containing'.

Download Free Guide to the EU's 14 Major Food Allergens
Cover photo for the Erudus Allergens Guide