The Menulta blog
Articles for restaurant owners on food allergens, EU Regulation 1169/2011 and running a QR code menu, with sources on every post.
Food allergen guides for restaurants
- Allergens in aljottaWhich allergens aljotta usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Preventing allergen cross-contact in kitchensStorage, prep, cleaning, fryers, garnishes and the pass.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergen matrix template for restaurantsColumns, rows, components and the update routine.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergen notices and signpostingExample wording and where guests will actually see it.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergen training for restaurant staffFront of house, kitchen, bar and emergencies.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in burgersWhich allergens burgers usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in Caesar saladWhich allergens Caesar salad usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in carbonaraWhich allergens carbonara usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in fish and chipsWhich allergens fish and chips usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in lasagneWhich allergens lasagne usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in moussakaWhich allergens moussaka usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in pad thaiWhich allergens pad thai usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in paellaWhich allergens paella usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in tiramisuWhich allergens tiramisu usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Fruit and vegetable allergiesWhy some guests react to peach, apple, kiwi or celery.Updated 15 October 2026
- Shellfish allergy: crustaceans and molluscsPrawns, crab and lobster vs mussels, squid and octopus.Updated 15 October 2026
- Wheat allergy, coeliac disease and glutenWhich cereals contain gluten and how kitchens avoid cross-contact.Updated 15 October 2026
- Responding to anaphylaxis in a restaurantSigns, calling 112, auto-injectors and positioning.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens at buffetsLabels, utensils, layout and replenishment at self-service.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens at events and weddingsCollecting allergies, labelled meals and canapé service.Updated 15 October 2026
- Celery allergy and hidden celeryStock, soffritto, soups and spice blends.Updated 15 October 2026
- Chinese food allergensWhere allergens hide in Chinese dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in pastizziWhich allergens pastizzi usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in baklavaWhich allergens baklava usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in hummusWhich allergens hummus usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in pestoWhich allergens pesto usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Egg allergy and hidden egg in dishesEgg wash, fresh pasta, sauces, wine fining and other hidden sources.Updated 15 October 2026
- Fish allergy and hidden fishAnchovy, fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce and shared fryers.Updated 15 October 2026
- Food allergy vs intoleranceImmune reaction, digestive problem or autoimmune disease, explained simply.Updated 15 October 2026
- French food allergensWhere allergens hide in French dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- Greek food allergensWhere allergens hide in Greek dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- How to take an allergy orderFrom asking the guest to serving the dish safely.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in imqarrun il-fornWhich allergens imqarrun il-forn usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Indian food allergensWhere allergens hide in Indian dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in falafelWhich allergens falafel usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in risottoWhich allergens risotto usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Italian food allergensWhere allergens hide in Italian dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- Japanese food allergensWhere allergens hide in Japanese dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- Children's menus and food allergiesCommon childhood allergies and hidden allergens in kids' dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- Lebanese food allergensWhere allergens hide in Lebanese dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- Lupin allergy and lupin flourThe least-known EU allergen, found in flours and gluten-free foods.Updated 15 October 2026
- Maltese food allergensWhere allergens hide in Maltese dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in Maltese ftiraWhich allergens Maltese ftira usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in Maltese rabbit stewWhich allergens Maltese rabbit stew usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- Mexican food allergensWhere allergens hide in Mexican dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- Milk allergy and hidden milk in restaurant foodMilk protein allergy, hidden dairy in dishes and safe service.Updated 15 October 2026
- Mollusc allergy: squid, octopus and musselsThe EU's fourteenth allergen, and where it hides.Updated 15 October 2026
- Mustard allergy and hidden mustardVinaigrettes, mayonnaise, marinades and curry spices.Updated 15 October 2026
- Peanut allergy and hidden peanutsGroundnut oil, satay, sauces and cross-contact in the kitchen.Updated 15 October 2026
- Monthly restaurant allergen auditRecords, labels, staff tests and kitchen controls.Updated 15 October 2026
- Sesame allergy and foods containing sesameTahini, hummus, halva, sesame oil and seeded breads.Updated 15 October 2026
- Shared fryers and allergen cross-contactHow fryer oil carries allergens into chips and fried food.Updated 15 October 2026
- Soy allergy and common foods with soySoy sauce, tofu, lecithin and the less obvious sources.Updated 15 October 2026
- Spanish food allergensWhere allergens hide in Spanish dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- Sulphites in wine, dried fruit and foodThe 10 mg/kg rule and where sulphites come from.Updated 15 October 2026
- Managing supplier allergen informationSpecs, delivery checks and the substitution trap.Updated 15 October 2026
- Thai food allergensWhere allergens hide in Thai dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
- The most common food allergiesWhich allergies are most common at each age, and where they hide on a menu.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens in timpanaWhich allergens timpana usually contains, and which versions differ.Updated 15 October 2026
- The top 8 allergens vs the EU 14The US 'big 8', the sesame update and how both map to the EU list.Updated 15 October 2026
- Tree nut allergy and hidden nutsWhich nuts EU law names, which it doesn't, and where they hide.Updated 15 October 2026
- Turkish food allergensWhere allergens hide in Turkish dishes.Updated 15 October 2026
EU Regulation 1169/2011, explained for restaurants
- What allergen inspectors checkRecords, signposting, staff knowledge and supplier controls.Updated 15 October 2026
- Annex II: the 14 allergens and their exemptionsThe legal allergen list in full, including the exemptions kitchens misread.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 13: font size and legibilityThe 1.2 mm x-height rule and other presentation rules.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 14: allergens for delivery and online ordersWhat guests must see before they order online or by phone.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 15: language rules for food informationWhich language allergen information must be in, and how to serve tourists.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 17: the name of the foodLegal, customary and descriptive names, and Annex VI rules.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 21: how allergens must be labelledBold in the ingredients list, 'contains' statements and 'may contain' warnings.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 26: country of origin labellingWhen origin is mandatory, meat rules and the primary ingredient rule.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 36: 'may contain' warnings and voluntary claimsHow 'may contain', vegan and gluten-free claims must be used.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 44: allergen rules for restaurants and loose foodThe article that makes allergen information mandatory for restaurant food.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 7: misleading menus, descriptions and photosDish names, descriptions and photos must not mislead the guest.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 8: who is responsible for allergen informationWhy your supplier's spec sheet does not move the responsibility off you.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 9: the mandatory food particularsThe twelve items every EU food label must carry, and which apply to restaurants.Updated 15 October 2026
- Articles 18-20: the ingredients listOrder of weight, compound ingredients, additives and omissions.Updated 15 October 2026
- Scope and key definitions of EU 1169/2011Who is covered, and what 'prepacked' and 'mass caterer' mean.Updated 15 October 2026
- Articles 30-35: the nutrition declarationThe mandatory 'big 7', per 100 g rules and restaurant exemptions.Updated 15 October 2026
- Natasha's Law and PPDS labellingUK full-ingredient labelling for food packed on the premises.Updated 15 October 2026
- Article 22: QUID ingredient percentagesWhen labels must show how much of an ingredient is used.Updated 15 October 2026
- Use by vs best before datesWhat each date means and how kitchens should handle them.Updated 15 October 2026
QR code menu guides
- Accessible QR code menusScreen readers, text size, contrast and paper alternatives.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for all-inclusive resortsLayout, allergens and practical tips for all-inclusive resorts.Updated 15 October 2026
- Allergens on a QR code menuPer-dish allergens, icons, translations and updates.Updated 15 October 2026
- How to choose the best QR code menuTen criteria and the red flags to avoid.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for brunch spotsLayout, allergens and practical tips for brunch spots.Updated 15 October 2026
- Dynamic vs static QR codes for menusWhich QR codes expire, and how to keep control of yours.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for events and cateringLayout, allergens and practical tips for events and catering.Updated 15 October 2026
- Free QR code menus: what's includedFree generators, free plans and what they leave out.Updated 15 October 2026
- How to scan a QR code menuiPhone, Android, troubleshooting and safety.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for gelato and ice cream shopsLayout, allergens and practical tips for gelato and ice cream shops.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for kebab shopsLayout, allergens and practical tips for kebab shops.Updated 15 October 2026
- Menu barcodes vs QR codesWhy 'menu barcode' almost always means a QR code.Updated 15 October 2026
- NFC vs QR code menusTap or scan: compatibility, cost and durability.Updated 15 October 2026
- PDF menus vs digital menusReadability, speed, updates and accessibility compared.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menu design tipsLayout, type, photos and descriptions for phones.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menu examplesLayouts, patterns and mistakes, with a live example.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for bakeriesLayout, allergens and practical tips for bakeries.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for barsLayout, allergens and practical tips for bars.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for beach clubsLayout, allergens and practical tips for beach clubs.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for cafésLayout, allergens and practical tips for cafés.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for fine dining restaurantsLayout, allergens and practical tips for fine dining restaurants.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for food trucksLayout, allergens and practical tips for food trucks.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for hotelsLayout, allergens and practical tips for hotels.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for pizzeriasLayout, allergens and practical tips for pizzerias.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for pubsLayout, allergens and practical tips for pubs.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for steakhousesLayout, allergens and practical tips for steakhouses.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menu price and costsSubscriptions, setup fees, commissions and printing compared.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menu security and quishingFake stickers, phishing and how to protect your guests.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menu systems comparedView-only, ordering and POS-integrated systems compared.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus and GDPRWhat data menus collect and how to respect guests' privacy.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for wine barsLayout, allergens and practical tips for wine bars.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR codes at restaurants: why they stayedWhat guests like, what annoys them and how to get it right.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR codes for tables: size and placementStickers, stands, sizes and materials that last.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR menu apps for restaurantsGuests need no app; owners need a good editor.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for seafood restaurantsLayout, allergens and practical tips for seafood restaurants.Updated 15 October 2026
- Handling sold-out dishes on a digital menuMark, hide or replace sold-out dishes in seconds.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for sushi restaurantsLayout, allergens and practical tips for sushi restaurants.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for takeawaysLayout, allergens and practical tips for takeaways.Updated 15 October 2026
- Updating prices on a QR code menuChange prices in seconds and keep every language in sync.Updated 15 October 2026
- QR code menus for vegan restaurantsLayout, allergens and practical tips for vegan restaurants.Updated 15 October 2026