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Allergen Policy

Welcome to our bakery and catering service. We take food safety and allergen management extremely seriously and are committed to providing clear, accurate, and timely information about allergens in our products. This policy outlines our approach to allergen management in alignment with UK regulations, including the Food Information Regulations (FIR) and the Food Safety Act 1990.

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Our Commitment to Allergen Safety

We are committed to ensuring our customers can make informed choices regarding allergens and food intolerances. Our staff are trained and systems are in place to identify, manage, and communicate the presence of allergens in our bakery and catering offerings.

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Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all food and beverage products prepared, sold, or served by our bakery and catering service, whether consumed on-site or off-site, including special orders and events.

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UK Legal Framework and Guidance

  • Food Information Regulations (FIR) 2014: Requires food businesses to provide information on 14 named allergens both for pre-packed and non-pre-packed foods.

  • Food Safety Act 1990: Sets overarching standards for food safety, including allergen management.

  • Food Standards Agency (FSA) Guidance: Outlines best practices and resources for allergen communication and control.
     

The 14 Legally Recognised Allergens

The following allergens must be declared by law if present as ingredients or processing aids:

  • Celery

  • Cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, khorasan wheat/Kamut)

  • Crustaceans

  • Eggs

  • Fish

  • Lupin

  • Milk

  • Molluscs

  • Mustard

  • Tree nuts (almond, hazelnut, walnut, cashew, pecan, Brazil nut, pistachio, macadamia/Queensland nut)

  • Peanuts

  • Sesame seeds

  • Soya

  • Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (at concentrations above 10mg/kg or 10mg/litre)
     

Identification and Labelling of Allergens
Pre-packed Food

All pre-packed foods are labelled with a clear list of ingredients. Allergens are emphasised (e.g. in bold, italics, or capital letters) within the ingredient list in accordance with FIR. Any changes to recipes or suppliers that may affect allergen content are updated immediately on product labels.

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Non-pre-packed and Catered Food

For food served loose or not in original packaging (e.g. on buffets, at events, or in our bakery display), allergen information is available:

  • Via staff on request

  • On menu boards, display cards, or at the point of service

  • In written allergen information guides available at the premises
     

Allergen Management in Production
Supplier Assurance

We only use reputable suppliers who provide full allergen information for every ingredient and product. Suppliers must adhere to robust allergen control processes and immediately notify us of any changes.
 

Ingredient Control

  • All deliveries are checked for accurate ingredient and allergen documentation.

  • Ingredients are stored in clearly labelled, sealed containers to prevent cross-contamination.

  • Separate storage areas are used for high-risk allergens wherever possible.
     

Preparation and Cooking Controls

  • Clean, sanitised equipment is used for allergen-free preparation.

  • Colour-coded utensils and cutting boards help prevent cross-contact.

  • Staff wash hands between handling different allergens.

  • All preparation areas are cleaned thoroughly between uses, with particular care for allergen-containing products.
     

Cross-Contamination Prevention

While every effort is made to prevent cross-contamination, our bakery and kitchen handle multiple allergens. We cannot guarantee any product is completely free from traces of allergens. Customers with severe allergies are encouraged to speak with a member of staff before ordering.
 

Staff Training and Awareness

All staff receive regular, comprehensive training on allergen management, including:

  • The 14 named allergens and their sources

  • Proper storage, handling, and cleaning protocols

  • Effective communication with customers regarding allergen information

  • Emergency procedures in the event of an allergic reaction

Training records are maintained and reviewed at least annually or whenever significant changes occur.
 

Customer Communication

We are committed to transparency and clear communication with our customers. You can obtain allergen information by:

  • Asking a team member, who will either provide the information directly or refer you to a supervisor

  • Consulting our written allergen guide, available at the counter and online

  • Reading product labels and display cards


We encourage customers with allergies or intolerances to inform us before ordering, so we can take any additional precautions necessary.
 

Special Orders, Bespoke Catering, and Event Services

For bespoke orders, events, and catering, customers are asked to provide detailed allergen requirements at the time of booking. We work closely with clients to identify and manage allergen risks, and provide written confirmation of allergen information for all menu items.
 

Allergen-Free and Free-from Products

Where products are requested or advertised as “free-from” specific allergens (e.g. gluten-free, nut-free), these are prepared with extra caution:

  • Equipment, utensils, and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised

  • Ingredients are checked to ensure they meet the relevant “free-from” criteria

  • Products are stored and packaged separately

However, as our bakery uses multiple allergens, absolute exclusion cannot be guaranteed.
 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an allergic reaction:

  • Our staff are trained to identify symptoms and respond promptly

  • Emergency services (999) will be contacted immediately

  • First aid measures, including use of customer-provided adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPens), will be administered as appropriate

  • Details of the incident will be recorded and reviewed for process improvement
     

Ongoing Review and Policy Updates

This allergen policy is reviewed at least annually, or when significant changes are made to menus, suppliers, or relevant legislation. Feedback is welcomed from customers to improve our allergen management and communication.
 

Contact Details

If you require further information or would like to discuss your specific requirements, please contact us via:

  • Phone: 07817 627 322

  • Email: zadie.bakery@gmail.com

  • In person: Ask to speak with our manager or allergen lead
     

Disclaimer

While every effort is made to control allergens, due to the nature of our kitchen and bakery operations, we cannot guarantee our products are completely free from any allergen. Customers with severe allergies are advised to exercise caution and speak directly with our team.

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Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep everyone safe.

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