Allergen Law 2026: Ultimate guide to avoiding health fines

Did you know that a poorly labeled menu could cost you a fine between €5,000 and €600,000?

European regulations (Regulation 1169/2011) aren't new, but health inspections in 2026 are stricter than ever. Simply saying "ask the staff" is no longer acceptable. Information must be clear, written, and accessible.

"The problem with paper menus or static PDFs is that a change of ingredient in the kitchen (e.g., switching one brand of mayonnaise for another) can invalidate your allergen menu and put you at legal risk."

In this guide, we review the 14 mandatory allergens and how to protect your business from inspection.

The 14 Allergens You Must Declare

It's not enough to warn about gluten or lactose. Check if your menu covers these 14 groups:

The Danger of "Oral Information" and Paper

The law allows oral communication as long as there's a written record available. But relying on a waiter's memory during rush hour is a huge risk.

Furthermore, physical menus have a serious maintenance problem. If your chef changes the sirloin sauce recipe and adds mustard, you have to reprint all the menus. If you don't and an allergic customer suffers anaphylactic shock, the legal liability falls on the owner.

The Digital Solution: Automatic Filters and Safety

This is where a Digital QR Menu saves your life (and your business).

Unlike a static PDF:

• Active Filtering:

  The customer selects "I'm allergic to tree nuts" upon entry.

• Safety:

  The menu automatically hides or warns about dishes containing that allergen.

• Real-Time Updates:

  If you change an ingredient, the alert updates instantly.

Conclusion: Sleep Soundly

Don't leave your customers' safety (and your bank account) to chance or an outdated paper menu. Digitalization is the cheapest and safest way to comply with regulations 100%.