Cooking for people with allergies

If someone is allergic to something, simply taking it off their plate isn’t enough. Get advice on preparing allergy-safe food at home

Person ladling homemade soup with celery and carrots into a bowl from a large pot on the stove

Even a tiny trace of an allergen can be enough to cause a potentially fatal allergic reaction. 

Food allergens cannot be removed by cooking, so it’s important that they’re managed carefully. Follow our advice to understand how to prepare food safely for people with food allergies.

Preparing food for people with allergies

It’s vital to take extra care when planning and preparing a meal for someone with allergies. You can prepare a meal safely by: 

  • asking your guest (or their parents or carers, if you are cooking for a child) what they can and cannot eat 
  • before you start preparing food, clean all work surfaces and equipment thoroughly using hot, soapy water to remove traces of anything you might have cooked before 
  • keep allergens separate from other foods and follow advice for avoiding cross-contact in the kitchen
  • double check ingredients listed on pre-packed foods e.g. sauces for allergens 
  • Keep a note of the ingredients used in your dish so you can answer any questions your guests may have about the food

Important: Avoiding cross-contact when preparing food for someone with allergies is essential.  

Avoid cross-contact between foods

Man washing a plate at a kitchen sink. The tap is on.

Before you prepare food, clean all work surfaces and utensils thoroughly to remove any traces of food prepared previously.

Washing your hands thoroughly and making sure cloths are clean before use will further reduce the risk of cross-contact between foods. Read more about avoiding cross-contamination to minimise the spread of germs and allergens.

Get more tips on food safety

External resources for food allergies

Find further support, advice and information on food and non-food allergies from our partners.

Business owners

Do you work in the food industry? Make sure you’re aware of your legal requirements when it comes to allergies.

Food allergies for business owners
Pasta being poured into a takeaway container.
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