Allergen & Dietary Safety Guidance for UK Restaurant Orders

3 min read

⚠️Important Allergen & Dietary Safety Guidance (UK)

When sharing food preferences, allergen notes, or special instructions with any restaurant in the UK, it is essential to clearly declare any major allergens you suffer from, outline your dietary requirements, and confirm how the restaurant manages cross‑contamination risks.

🧾 Legally Recognised UK Allergens

When placing an order, you must clearly state if you or anyone in your group has an allergy to any of the 14 major UK allergens, including:

Celery
Cereals containing gluten
Crustaceans
Eggs
Fish
Lupin
Milk
Molluscs
Mustard
Peanuts
Sesame seeds
Soybeans
Sulphur dioxide/sulphites
Tree nuts

Learn more via Allergy Information.

🔐 Cross‑Contamination Safety

Always ask the restaurant whether they use:

Dedicated preparation areas
Separate fryers
Distinct cooking utensils
Controlled ingredient storage

This helps ensure your meal is prepared safely and reduces cross‑contamination risks.

📝 Special Requests & Dietary Notes

When ordering, clearly mention:

Ingredient omissions
Gluten‑free, vegan, or other dietary needs
Celebration notes or table layout requests
Any cooking instructions the kitchen must follow

Restaurants use formal allergy‑handling processes, so clarity is essential.

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer

This information is provided for general guidance only. It is not medical advice. If you have a health‑related concern or require a diagnosis, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Nectar Eats acts solely as a marketplace platform. Responsibility for allergen handling, ingredient safety, and food preparation lies entirely with the restaurant and the customer. Always follow the advice given to you by the restaurant directly; contact the restaurant by phone before placing any orders.

Nectar Eats cannot and will not be held responsible for incorrect, outdated, or misunderstood allergen information or advice.

(Updated: 25 July 2026)

Frequently asked questions

Yes — you must clearly declare any allergens when placing your order. Restaurants rely on the information you provide to prepare food safely. Always list any of the 14 major UK allergens and include additional notes about dietary needs or ingredient concerns. If your allergy is severe, contact the restaurant directly before ordering.

Nectar Eats acts as a marketplace, meaning restaurants are responsible for providing accurate allergen details and preparing food safely. We display the information they supply, but we cannot verify or guarantee its accuracy. If you have a serious allergy, always speak to the restaurant directly to confirm ingredients and cross‑contamination controls.

If you’re unsure whether a dish is safe, contact the restaurant before ordering. Ask whether they use separate preparation areas, dedicated fryers, or specific utensils for allergen‑sensitive meals. Cross‑contamination procedures vary between restaurants, so direct confirmation is the safest approach.