For guests with a food allergy, eating out starts with a question: is it safe for me? Clear allergen information, easy to find before ordering, makes that question quicker to answer and the conversation with staff easier.
What the law expects
In the UK, food businesses must be able to give customers information about 14 major allergens if they are ingredients in the food they serve. The Food Standards Agency publishes guidance on how to do this, including for food that is not prepacked. Check the FSA's current guidance for your type of business, as this article is not legal advice.
Make it easy to reach
- Link allergen information from every dish, not just from a separate document.
- Use the names of the 14 allergens consistently.
- Keep a clear note telling guests to speak to a member of staff about their allergy.
- Make the page readable on a small screen, with large enough text.
Keep it current
Allergen information is only useful if it is right. When a recipe, ingredient or supplier changes, update the information the same day. A digital page makes that easier, because there is one version to change instead of every printed copy.
Information supports staff, it does not replace them
A guest with an allergy should always be able to talk to someone who can check with the kitchen. Use the digital page to give guests a head start, and train staff to take every allergy question seriously.
How TAPP helps
A TAPP page on the table can include your menu and allergen information, opened with a tap or scan and no app. When something changes, you update it once from your TAPP account and it is live straight away.