Free lesson: the 14 food allergens
Alérgenos: lección gratis en inglés
This is an extra lesson for the food handler course in English. It is free, with no sign-up. At the end there is a short practice: true or false.
Allergy or intoleranceAlergia e intolerancia
Allergy (alergia): the immune system attacks a substance in the food. A very small amount is enough: a bread crumb, a drop of milk, or frying oil that was used for fish. The worst reaction is called anaphylactic shock (anafilaxia). It can kill.
Intolerance (intolerancia): the body digests a substance badly, like lactose in milk. This customer also needs correct information.
Coeliac disease (celíaco): gluten damages the gut, even in crumbs. "Gluten-free" means separate tools, worktop and oil.
A customer can't breathe well after eating? Call 112, tell the person in charge (encargado), and do not leave the customer alone.
What does the law ask for?Reglamento (UE) 1169/2011 y Real Decreto 126/2015
EU Regulation 1169/2011
- Its Annex II (Anexo II) names 14 substances that cause allergies or intolerances.
- Naming them is required for all food that is sold (article 9).
- In the ingredient list they must stand out, for example in bold (article 21).
- Food that is not packed, like a dish in a restaurant or bread in a bakery, must also have this information (article 44).
In Spain: Real Decreto 126/2015
- The normal way is written: a label on the food, or a sign above it or next to it.
- Spoken information is allowed on three conditions: the worker gives it when the customer asks, before the customer pays, at no extra cost; the information is written down in the shop, for staff, inspectors and customers; and a clear sign tells customers to ask.
- The information is written in Spanish at least.
If your shop gives the information by word of mouth, you are the one who gives it. Never guess. Say "Voy a preguntar al encargado" and come back with the answer from the written sheet (ficha técnica).
The 14 substances, and where they hideLos 14 alérgenos (Anexo II)
| In Spanish | In English | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Cereales con gluten | Cereals containing gluten | wheat, barley, rye, oats, bread, couscous, flour for coating |
| Crustáceos | Crustaceans | prawns (gambas), crab (cangrejo) |
| Huevos | Eggs | mayonnaise, dough, desserts |
| Pescado | Fish | fish stock, anchovy in sauces |
| Cacahuetes | Peanuts | peanut butter and oil, some sauces |
| Soja | Soya | soy sauce, tofu, some sausages |
| Leche | Milk (and lactose) | butter, cheese, cream (nata) |
| Frutos de cáscara | Tree nuts | almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pistachios. Not raisins or dates |
| Apio | Celery | soups, stocks, spice mixes |
| Mostaza | Mustard | sauces and dressings |
| Sésamo | Sesame seeds | tahini, sesame bread, hummus |
| Sulfitos | Sulphites | wine, some dried fruit and sausages |
| Altramuces | Lupin | lupin flour in some breads |
| Moluscos | Molluscs | mussels, squid, octopus, snails, clams |
Marisco covers both crustaceans and molluscs. Always ask the customer: which ones?
At every step of the workDel almacén a la mesa
- Delivery: read the label (etiqueta). If a product's brand changes, tell the person in charge.
- Storage: allergen-free food on top, food with allergens below, in closed boxes with a name.
- Preparation: make the "sin…" dish first, with washed hands and clean tools and worktop. Change gloves.
- Frying: oil used for fish or coated food passes the allergen to the chips.
- Do not remove and serve: taking off the almonds or the cheese does not make the dish safe. Make a new dish.
- Serving: carry the special dish on its own, and tell the kitchen clearly: "Mesa 4, alergia al huevo".
Example: read a dish sheet
Pollo al curry con arroz — Ingredientes: pollo, arroz, cebolla, nata (leche), curry en polvo (puede contener mostaza y apio), almendras, aceite de girasol.
- A customer says "Soy alérgico a los frutos secos": the dish has almonds. Say "Este plato lleva almendras" and suggest another dish after you read its sheet.
- "Puede contener apio" means the factory does not promise there is no celery. Tell the customer exactly that. Do not say it is safe.
Practice: true or false? 8 sentencesPráctica: ¿verdadero o falso?
This is practice only, with no score and no certificate. Every sentence comes from this lesson. Tap "True" or "False" to see the answer and why.