By Makai Cake Decorating Supplies

 

If you sell cakes or bakes from home in the UK, you're legally required to provide accurate allergen information. Even small businesses must follow these rules to keep customers safe and stay compliant.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the law says, how to avoid mistakes, and provide a free Allergy Labelling Template to make things easier.

 

 

 Why Allergen Labelling Matters 

 

Food allergies can cause serious reactions. Some can even be life-threatening. That’s why it’s crucial for every cake business—no matter the size — to inform customers about allergens.

Even if you only sell occasionally or from home, you’re still classed as a food business and must follow food safety laws.

 

 

 The 14 Major Allergens You Must Declare 

 

According to UK law, you must clearly label or communicate if your product contains any of the following:

• Celery
  
  
• Cereals containing gluten (e.g. wheat, rye, barley)
  
  
• Crustaceans (e.g. prawns, crab)
  
  
• Eggs
  
  
• Fish
  
  
• Lupin
  
  
• Milk
  
  
• Molluscs (e.g. mussels)
  
  
• Mustard
  
  
• Nuts (e.g. almonds, hazelnuts)
  
  
• Peanuts
  
  
• Sesame seeds
  
  
• Soya
  
  
• Sulphur dioxide / sulphites

 

 

 How to Share Allergen Info 

 

There are several ways to communicate allergens:

• Labelled stickers on packaging
  
  
• Printed allergen slips included with the order
  
  
• A clear allergen description on your website or order form
  
  
• Verbal confirmation (for in-person sales only, not recommended as sole method)
  
  

 

 Preventing Cross-Contamination 

 

Even if a product doesn’t contain nuts, for example, it might still be made in a kitchen where nuts are present. This is known as cross-contamination.

 

It’s important to:

• Clean tools and surfaces thoroughly between uses
  
  
• Store allergens separately when possible
  
  
• Never claim “allergen free” unless you're certified

 

 

 Download Our Free Allergy Labelling Template 

 

We’ve created a printable template to help you label allergens clearly and professionally.

✅ Tick-box list of the 14 allergens
✅ Space for product and customer details
✅ Pre-written allergen disclaimer

 

👉 Download Allergy Labelling Template (PDF)

 

Use this with every order, especially if you're selling pre-packed cakes or trays.

 

 

 Final Thoughts 

 

Clear labelling isn't just about the law – it shows your customers that you care about their health. Being transparent builds trust, and trust builds your business.

Make allergy info a standard part of your process, and you'll avoid risks while creating a safer, more professional bakery.