Food
Allergy
Guide

We recommend you take a moment to read our handy guide regarding Food Allergies & Intolerances.

Major Food Allergens

    Milk - Including all dairy products
    Eggs - Including products containing egg proteins
    Fish - All tinned fish species
    Crustacean Shellfish - Crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns
    Tree Nuts - Almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, etc.
    Peanuts - Often processed separately from tree nuts
    Wheat - Including all wheat proteins
    Soybeans - Soy products and derivatives
    Sesame - Seeds and oil (recently added as major allergen in many regions)

Other Common Allergens & Intolerances

    Celiac disease (gluten from wheat, barley, rye)
    Lactose intolerance
    Sulfites (sulphites)
    Mustard
    Molluscan shellfish (clams, oysters, mussels)
    Corn
    Food additives and preservatives

Tips for Safe Online Food Shopping

Before You Start Shopping

1. Create an Allergen Profile

    List all confirmed allergies and intolerances
    Note severity of reactions
    Keep a list of safe brands you trust
    Document any cross-contamination concerns

2. Read Product Information Carefully

    Ingredient list - Check every ingredient, not just bold allergens
    "Contains" statement - Lists major allergens in the product
    "May contain" warnings - Indicates potential cross-contamination
    "Processed in a facility" statements - Assess cross-contact risk
    Product images - Zoom in to read packaging if ingredient lists aren't typed out

3. Watch for Hidden Allergens

    Milk: whey, casein, lactose, curds
    Eggs: albumin, lysozyme, lecithin (sometimes)
    Wheat: semolina, spelt, farro, bulgur
    Soy: lecithin, tofu, tempeh, miso
    Check for alternative names and derivatives

4. Be Cautious with New Products

    Manufacturers can change formulations
    Even familiar products may have updated ingredients
    Always recheck labels, even for regular purchases
    Look for "new recipe" or "improved formula" indicators

Product Categories to Watch

Higher Risk for Cross-Contamination

    Bakery items
    Deli products
    Chocolate, sweets and candy
    Granola and cereal bars
    Nut butters
    Baked goods

Generally Safer Options

    Fresh fruits and vegetables (unprocessed)
    Plain meats and fish (unseasoned)
    Certified allergy-friendly brands
    Products with dedicated allergen-free facilities
    Single-ingredient items

When Products Arrive

1. Inspect Packaging

    Check that you received correct items
    Look for any package damage that might affect safety
    Verify dates and batch numbers if tracking reactions

2. Double-Check Physical Labels

    Online information can be outdated
    The physical package is the most current source
    Compare to what you saw online
    Read all sides of packaging

3. Store Safely

    Keep allergen-free products separate
    Use dedicated storage areas if severe allergies
    Consider labelling shelves or containers
    Organise to prevent cross-contamination at home

Red Flags & When to Skip a Product

Don't purchase if:
    Ingredient information is incomplete or unavailable
    Images are unclear and no typed ingredient list provided
    "May contain" warning includes your allergen
    Manufacturing statements indicate cross-contamination risk
    Product description conflicts with ingredients shown
    You can't find enough information to make a safe decision
    Reviews mention incorrect allergen information on the site
When in doubt, contact the retailer or manufacturer directly before purchasing.

Useful Tools & Resources

Websites & Organisations

Certification Symbols to Look For

    Certified Gluten-Free (GF certification mark)
    Top 8 Free or Top 9 Free certifications
    Vegan certifications (dairy and egg-free)
    Kosher Pareve (dairy-free)
    Specific allergen-free certifications (peanut-free facility, etc.)

Important Reminders

Always Remember:

    Formulations change - check every time
    Online information may lag behind packaging updates
    "Free from" doesn't always mean "safe from" cross-contact. "Free from" foods usually contain corn and maize.
    Natural and organic doesn't mean allergen-free
    When in doubt, reach out to customer service
    Keep emergency medication accessible
    Have a backup plan for meals if items are substituted

In Case of Accidental Exposure:

    Follow your allergist's emergency action plan
    Have epinephrine auto-injectors readily available
    Know when to call emergency services
    Document the reaction and product information
    Report labelling errors to the manufacturer and FDA/local authority

Building Your Safe Shopping List

Create categories for easy reordering:
    Verified Safe Brands - Products you've confirmed safe
    Staples - Regularly needed allergen-free items
    Emergency Backup - Safe convenience foods
    New to Try - Thoroughly researched potential additions
    Seasonal Favorites - Safe products for holidays/special occasions

Questions to Ask Customer Service

If you need clarification before purchasing:
    1
    Is this product made in a dedicated allergen-free facility?
    2
    What allergens are processed in the same facility?
    3
    What cleaning protocols are used between production runs?
    4
    Has the formula changed recently?
    5
    When was the online ingredient information last updated?
    6
    Are there different versions of this product (seasonal, regional)?
    7
    What's your policy on substitutions for allergen concerns?

Final Tips for Success

Make it easier on yourself:

    Screenshot or save safe product listings
    Set up recurring orders for staples once verified safe
    Join online communities for allergen-free product recommendations
    Sign up for manufacturer notifications about formula changes
    Keep a running list on your phone of safe discoveries
    Take advantage of customer reviews mentioning allergens
    Consider scheduling regular delivery times to ensure freshness

Stay Informed:

    Subscribe to allergen recall alerts
    Follow food safety authorities on social media
    Join support groups for your specific allergies
    Stay current with labelling law changes
    Build relationships with manufacturers of trusted brands

This guide is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider or allergist. Always consult with your medical team about managing your specific food allergies.

Last Updated: November 2025