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Allergen Rules: Cafés vs Restaurants

Understanding how Natasha's Law applies to different types of food businesses in the UK.

Are the Rules Different for Cafés?

No – Natasha's Law applies equally to all food businesses in the UK, from small cafes to large restaurants. The core requirements are the same for everyone.

What All Food Businesses Must Do

  • Provide clear allergen information for all food served
  • Train staff to safely answer allergy questions
  • Keep accurate records of ingredients and allergens
  • Make allergy information easy to access for customers

Where Cafés & Restaurants Differ

While the legal requirements are the same, the practical implementation often differs:

Cafés

  • Often serve pre-packaged baked goods (PPDS)
  • Require clear labeling on every pre-packaged item
  • Smaller kitchens can benefit from simple digital menus

Restaurants

  • Usually serve fresh, made-to-order dishes
  • More complex menus with many ingredients
  • Need robust systems for tracking cross-contamination risks

One Solution for All Food Businesses

ClarityMenu works for cafés, restaurants, and takeaways of all sizes – making allergy compliance simple for everyone.

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