Allergen chart template for menus: the 9 major US allergens
Short answer
Make a grid with your menu items as rows and the 9 major US allergens as columns: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame (sesame was added in 2023). Mark each item that contains, or may contain through shared equipment, each allergen, and keep it where staff and guests can see it. The free generator builds the grid from your menu.
| Allergen | Hidden in, for example |
|---|---|
| Milk | Butter, whey, casein, some breads |
| Eggs | Mayonnaise, batters, some pasta |
| Fish | Worcestershire sauce, Caesar dressing |
| Crustacean shellfish | Shrimp, crab, lobster, some broths |
| Tree nuts | Pesto, marzipan, some sauces |
| Peanuts | Satay, some baked goods, frying oils |
| Wheat | Soy sauce, breadcrumbs, thickeners |
| Soybeans | Soy sauce, tofu, many processed foods |
| Sesame | Tahini, hummus, some breads and oils |
Source: US FDA, Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act and FASTER Act (2023)
Good to know
Check supplier labels whenever a product changes; a new brand of sauce can add an allergen.
The EU and UK list 14 allergens (adding celery, mustard, lupin, molluscs, sulphites and separating gluten cereals); use the list for your country.
Menumoor: Print-ready menus and price lists in minutes
from $6/monthFree: the generator builds this matrix from your menu. Menumoor makes the print-ready menu itself (PDF, PNG and a QR code) in your browser.
Secure checkout · 14-day fix-or-refund if it doesn't work as described (terms)Questions
Is "may contain" required?
Precautionary labels are voluntary in the US, but telling guests about shared fryers and surfaces prevents reactions.
Do I need this by law?
Rules for restaurants vary by state and city; packaged food labelling is federal. Check your local requirements.
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