Food Safety Focus (231st Issue, Oct 2025) – Article 4

Beware of Allergens in Food

Dining out can be a delightful experience, but it is essential for people who have food allergy to stay vigilant about food allergens. Many dishes may contain hidden ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions, such as gluten in bread or crustaceans and fish in sauces. Furthermore, allergen cross-contamination from previous food preparation is possible if utensils and hands are not thoroughly washed. Always inform your serving staff about any allergies before placing your order. They can check with the kitchen team to learn more.

When shopping for prepackaged food, check out the ingredient list and select allergen free alternatives. Other than looking out for common allergens like eggs, milk, soybeans, nuts, sulphites, fish, crustaceans and gluten in the ingredient list, also look out for any “may contain” statements that warn of minute carry-over from previous production runs.

If you experience symptoms like swollen tongue, face or lips, breathing difficulties or feeling unwell with generalised rash after eating, seek medical help immediately. Remember, awareness is key to enjoying your meals safely. For more information on allergens, visit the CFS website.