What are the allergen labelling requirements in NSW?

Allergen labelling in Australia is governed by Standard 1.2.3 of the Food Standards Code, which requires mandatory declaration of the following 9 priority allergens whenever they are present as ingredients or components of ingredients in packaged food:

Peanuts
Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts, Brazil nuts)
Milk
Eggs
Wheat (and other gluten-containing cereals: rye, barley, oats)
Soybeans
Fish
Shellfish (crustacea and molluscs)
Sesame seeds

What about unpackaged food (cafes and restaurants)?

For unpackaged food — such as menu items at a café or restaurant — there is no current legal requirement in NSW to provide written allergen declarations on a menu. However, from 25 February 2024, new mandatory allergen information requirements took effect for food service businesses. Staff must be able to accurately advise customers about allergens in menu items upon request.

Best practice for food service

Maintain a complete allergen matrix for all menu items
Train all front-of-house and kitchen staff on allergen awareness
Implement a documented procedure for handling allergen requests
Use clear communication between front-of-house and kitchen when allergen requests are made
Review allergen information when suppliers or recipes change

AMES Food Advisory develops allergen matrices and staff training programs for food businesses across Sydney and NSW.