How to find allergen information?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, approximately 4% of U.S. adults have a food allergy, highlighting the critical importance of knowing how to find allergen information to ensure safe consumption. This comprehensive guide provides the necessary strategies and information to navigate the world of food labels and dining out with confidence.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical steps for locating crucial allergy data. It explains how to interpret ingredient lists, identify warnings at restaurants, use digital tools for online orders, and manage cross-contamination risks effectively.

Key Points

Read Every Label: Always check ingredient lists and 'Contains' statements on packaged foods, even for familiar items, as formulations can change.
Communicate Clearly: Verbally confirm your allergen needs with restaurant staff and management before ordering to ensure a safe meal.
Be Wary of 'May Contain': Precautionary statements indicate a risk of cross-contamination; avoiding these products is the safest choice for severe allergies.
Vet Online Orders: When ordering online, always contact the restaurant directly to confirm allergens and ensure safe handling during delivery.
Use Digital Aids: Utilize specialized apps and websites to research menus and restaurant allergen policies before you go.
Understand Labeling Laws: Be aware of the specific legal requirements for allergen disclosure in your region, such as FALCPA and the FASTER Act in the US.

Reading Packaged Food Labels

For packaged foods, the label is your primary source of allergen information. You must train yourself to read every label, every time, as recipes and ingredients can change without warning.

Understanding the Allergen Disclosure

In the United States, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) and the FASTER Act mandate that food manufacturers list the nine major food allergens in plain English. These are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. There are three main places to find this information on a label:

In the ingredient list: The allergen's common name will appear in parentheses after the ingredient. For example, "whey (milk)" or "flour (wheat)".
In a separate "Contains" statement: Often located immediately after or next to the ingredient list, this statement clearly lists all major allergens present. For example, "Contains: wheat, milk, soy".
Specific labeling: For tree nuts and some seafood, the specific type must be listed (e.g., "almond," "walnut," "crab," or "shrimp").

Deciphering 'May Contain' Statements

Also known as Precautionary Allergen Labeling (PAL), these voluntary statements (e.g., "may contain [allergen]" or "processed in a facility with [allergen]") indicate a risk of cross-contamination. These are not regulated by law and their wording is not standardized, making them notoriously unreliable. For individuals with severe allergies, the safest approach is to avoid products with these advisories altogether, as research has shown that some can contain enough allergen to trigger a reaction.

Finding Allergen Information at Restaurants and Cafes

Dining out requires proactive communication and careful consideration, as allergen information is not always explicitly listed.

Best Practices for In-Person Dining

Speak to the staff: The most important step is to talk to your server or manager directly about your allergy before ordering. Do this even if you're using a QR code system.
Go during off-peak hours: Visiting when the restaurant is less busy gives the staff and kitchen more time and attention to handle your request safely.
Use a Chef Card: Many allergy organizations offer printable 'Chef Cards' that clearly detail your allergies for the kitchen staff. Download, print, and hand one to your server to ensure clarity.
Confirm the procedure: Ask how the kitchen staff prevent cross-contamination. This includes using separate cooking utensils, cutting boards, and fryers.
Trust your instincts: If you feel that the staff do not fully understand the seriousness of your request or cannot guarantee safety, it is best to leave. A small amount of an allergen can be life-threatening.

Using Digital Tools and Websites

Before you go, check the restaurant's website for an allergen menu or nutritional information. Specialized apps and websites can also be helpful. Some examples from search results include the Fig app, which helps identify safe foods at grocery stores and restaurants based on dietary needs, and AllergyEats, which provides user-submitted ratings of restaurants on how well they handle food allergies.

Ordering Food Online with Allergies

Ordering takeaway or delivery introduces additional risks of cross-contamination, so extra precautions are necessary.

Two-Stage Communication

Many food safety agencies recommend a two-stage approach for online or phone orders:

Before purchase: Find and read any allergen information on the website or app before completing your order. If in doubt, call the restaurant directly to discuss your specific needs.
Upon delivery: Check that the food is clearly labeled, especially if ordering for multiple people. Ask the delivery driver to confirm with the restaurant if any doubt remains.

Table: Allergen Information Accessibility


Aspect	Packaged Foods	Restaurants/Cafes	Online/Takeaway Orders
Primary Source	Ingredient list and 'Contains' statement	Direct conversation with staff	Website/App info and direct call
Cross-Contamination Risk	Indicated by voluntary 'may contain' statements	Dependent on kitchen protocols and staff training	Risk exists during preparation and transport
Key Action	Read every label carefully before every use	Speak to staff and confirm preparation methods	Call to confirm details, check labeling on delivery
Legal Regulation	Legally mandated allergen labeling (FALCPA/FASTER Act in US)	Regulation on provision of info, though verbal is common	Info must be provided before purchase and on delivery
Reliability	Generally high, but relies on consumer vigilance	Highly variable, depends on communication and training	Lower due to multiple touchpoints (kitchen, driver)

Conclusion

For individuals with food allergies, vigilance is the most crucial skill. Knowing how to find allergen information involves diligently checking labels on packaged foods, communicating clearly with restaurant staff, and taking extra steps when ordering online. While regulations like FALCPA and FASTER provide a solid framework for packaged goods, navigating dining out requires a proactive approach. By combining label reading skills with careful communication and leveraging digital tools, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidental exposure and manage your dietary needs safely. Remember, your safety is paramount, and it is always okay to ask questions or decline a meal if you have any doubts. For more resources on food allergy management, visit FoodAllergy.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, precautionary 'may contain' statements are voluntary and not regulated by law in the U.S.. Manufacturers use them to indicate a risk of cross-contamination, but their reliability varies.

The FASTER (Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research) Act of 2021 added sesame to the list of major food allergens that must be clearly labeled on packaged foods in the United States.

The best approach is to speak directly with a manager or server, ideally during a less busy time. Clearly state your allergy and ask how the kitchen prevents cross-contamination.

For severe food allergies, it is generally safest to avoid any products with a 'may contain' warning, as it indicates a risk of accidental cross-contact.

Check the website or app description before ordering. For accuracy, it is best practice to call the restaurant directly to discuss your allergy needs and confirm safety.

No. While laws like FALCPA cover the most common allergens, not all allergenic substances are required to be labeled. It is essential to read the full ingredient list carefully.

Yes, several apps can assist. Some examples include Fig, which helps identify products based on dietary restrictions, and AllergyEats, which crowdsources ratings for restaurant allergy friendliness.