Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 requires the provision of precise information regarding the presence of allergens in food products.
On the product pages, in the description and in the details, you can find the list of allergens that the manufacturer has specified in the relevant technical sheet.
Since the technical sheets can change over time and not all manufacturers have the good habit of informing us of changes promptly, in cases of strong intolerance and allergy, it is important to ask for confirmation of all the information regarding allergens.
In cases where the technical sheet reports the allergen, the allergen and its presence are highlighted on the pages of our site, e.g.: "Fish - Present" or "Celery - Present".
In cases where the technical sheet reports that the allergen it is not present in the product as an ingredient, but the allergen could contaminate the product for the sole fact that the allergen is present in the places of production or due to cross-contamination even if with little probability, the information of accidental presence is reported on the pages of our site e.g.: "Fish - Accidental" or "Celery - Accidental".
In cases where the manufacturer confirms the absence of the allergen, on the product pages you will find a wording similar to "Fish - Absent" or "Celery Absent".
Since the Regulation does not provide for it, most manufacturers do not certify the absence of the allergen; in order to improve the experience and efficiency of browsing and searching for products suitable for the needs of our Customers, Bio-Natural has introduced the wording Omitted to indicate that the allergen has not been specified by the manufacturer in the technical sheet of the particular product, e.g.: "Fish - Omitted" or "Celery - Omitted".
In cases of strong intolerance and allergy, in cases of allergen Omitted, but we also recommend for others, we ask to be contacted in order to forward the questions to the manufacturer to avoid inconvenience.
Summary of the organization of allergens created to improve searches and efficiency of consulting the pages.
- Allergen - Present :: the manufacturer's technical sheet explicitly reports the presence of the specific allergen;
- Allergen - Accidental :: the manufacturer's technical sheet explicitly reports a potential contamination even with very low probability;
- Allergen - Absent :: the manufacturer's technical sheet explicitly reports the absence of the specific allergen;
- Allergen - Omitted :: the manufacturer's technical sheet does not report any information regarding the specific allergen; it is presumed not to be present but no tests have been carried out to exclude it.
We reiterate that for all cases of strong intolerance and allergy it is always good practice to request information, we are always available to our Customers.
Allergens required by law - 14 types
- Cereals containing gluten (such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, kamut and their derivatives) – These are very common allergens and must be indicated because they can trigger reactions in those who are celiac or intolerant to gluten.
- Eggs – Eggs and derivatives are frequent allergens, therefore they must be reported.
- Fish – All types of fish, even if used as an ingredient, must be listed.
- Crustaceans and molluscs – Such as shrimp, lobster, mussels, clams, etc.
- Peanuts – A very potent allergen and often causes severe reactions.
- Soy – Used in many processed foods, including as an additive.
- Dairy – Milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and derivatives.
- Nuts (such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, pecans) – These are very potent allergens.
- Celery – May be present as an ingredient or as a contaminant.
- Mustard – Often used as a condiment or ingredient.
- Sesame seeds – Used in many preparations.
- Sulfur dioxide and sulphites – Used as preservatives, they can cause reactions in sensitive subjects.
- Lupins – Leguminous plant, less common but still important.
- Molluscs – Such as clams, mussels, squid, if present.
Other Allergens
- Lactose
- Fructose
- Glutamate
- Yeast