allergen labeling

Allergen labeling is regulated by EU guidelines as part of the declaration of ingredients on foods. Most food allergies (approx. 90%) are caused by 12 allergens. These allergens must be declared on all goods, no matter what size the packaging. Every individual component of all ingredients must be declared.

The 12 allergens:

• cereals containing gluten
• fish
• shell fish
• eggs
• peanuts
• soya
• milk and other products containing lactose
• pulses
• celery
• mustard
• sesame seeds
• sulfur dioxide or sulfite from10 milligrams per kilo or liter

Information must be given either in the product name (e.g. milk chocolate), in the list of ingredients (e.g. lecithin from eggs) or in additional labeling (e.g. on wine: contains sulfur/ sulfite). Catering services are exempt from this obligation as it is possible to direct individual inquiries to kitchen staff.

This glossary has been prepared by Dussmann Service, the largest private multi-service provider worldwide. Dussmann Service offers integrated facility management, technical management , catering (e.g. for hospitals, seniors' facilities, child care facilities, schools and universities), security and fire services, reception, cleaning services, vehicle valeting, commercial management and energy management for companies and organizations in both the business & industry and the social and care sectors.

Dussmann Service is represented across the world by its international subsidiaries. Inquiries can also be addressed to contact persons at headquarters in Berlin. Dussmann Service, like Kursana, Dussmann Office and Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus is a division of the Dussmann Group.