CHOOSING a restaurant now involves checking multiple allergens for one in four UK diners.
That’s according to the analysis of over 136,000 allergen searches by UK diners which has revealed over a quarter (26%) are searching for more than one allergen before eating out.
The experts at AllergyMenu.app looked at data for the last 12 months, highlighting the complexity of managing multiple food allergies and intolerances.
The data also revealed gluten was the most searched for allergen amounting to over 58% of all searches.
That’s despite research from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) finding foods such as peanuts and tree nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds, most likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Peanuts amounted to 17.9% of searches with milk and tree nuts both at 16.8% of all searches.
The prominence of gluten, milk, peanuts, and tree nuts, accounted for over three quarters of all searches, highlighting where consumer concern is most concentrated.
Legislative frameworks around allergens were strengthened by Natasha’s Law in 2021, requiring full ingredient and allergen labelling on all foods pre-packaged for direct sale.
Standards proposed by Owen’s Law would see allergen information on all menus. These changes have been recommended to the government by the FSA.
Founder of AllergyMenu.app Juliet Moran believes the legislative changes are a step in the right direction but that eateries need to take a lead and act in the best interest of their customers who are managing food allergies and intolerances.
Juliet Moran said: “Unsurprisingly allergens including gluten, peanuts, tree nuts and milk were the most searched for allergens.
“The volume of those searches shows food allergies and intolerances are no longer a niche concern and play a central role in determining where customers choose to eat out and what to eat.
“What was most surprising was the volume of app users who are managing multiple allergies or intolerances. This highlights the complexity faced by many consumers and the increased risk of error and anxiety when eating out.
“The allergy search behaviour analysed indicates a strong demand for clarity and reassurance, with users engaging with allergy searches at the point of choosing where or what to eat.
“This is where the hospitality sector can take a lead and highlight their commitment to making communications better around allergens.
“There are simple steps they can take, from supporting multiple allergen filtering on digital menus to having accessible, easy to understand digital allergen information to support customers in making an informed decision.”
“Food allergies and intolerances impact a growing number of people. Legislative changes are beginning to reflect this but there is always more that can be done.”
