Gluten

The English word gluten comes from the Latin word gluten, and means glue. Gluten is the substance that gives elasticity to dough, helping it to rise and maintain its shape. Gluten is found in wheat (and wheat products), rye, barley and couscous. Oats contain a protein that is similar to gluten.

Gluten Allergy

An immediate allergy is caused by the body producing IgE antibodies to the gluten proteins found those grains. It is more common in children, though adults can have it as well. Symptoms can occur within minutes or up to 2 hours after eating the gluten containing product and include rhinitis, asthma, hives (urticaria), swelling (angio-oedema) or anaphylaxis. Vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and a flare up of eczema can also occur.

Anaphylaxis

Some people can have a serious immediate allergic reaction if they exercise after eating a gluten containing product. These allergic reactions can be severe, and lead to anaphylaxis, a life threatening condition.

Delayed Reaction

A delayed reaction to gluten does not involve those IgE antibodies and can occur between several hours and several days to take effect. Symptoms include diarrhoea or worsening of excema.

The 14 Allergens

There are 14 major allergens that need to be clearly highlighted on the packaging of any food that contains it. If the allergen is sold in a different way, for instance as loose foods or cooked into a meal, information on what contains any of these 14 allergens must be easily available.

The Law

From December 13, 2014, all food businesses have to provide this information on these 14 allergens, wherever they might be present in foods.
To read and/or download the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation Allergen Provisions, click here.
Additional guidance given by the Food Standards Agency can be found here.
Guidance on Food Allergen Management for Food Manufacturers can be found here.
The Food Standards Agency also has a specific leaflet to help with allergen information for loose foods.
They also provide other information, including a handy allergen chart for caterers.

​