Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, known as the ‘FIC’ regulation, lists the 14 allergens whose presence in foodstuffs must be mentioned on the label.
Allergens
Protect consumers through allergen management
Allergens are one of the leading causes of food product recalls and represent a major public health issue. In allergic individuals, the presence of certain substances, even as traces, can trigger reactions ranging from mild symptoms to severe manifestations. To protect consumers, European regulations require clear allergen labelling as well as the management of cross-contamination risk throughout the production chain. Allergen analysis makes it possible to check for the possible presence of allergens in products and to provide the data needed for appropriate labelling and allergen risk management.
Regulation (EU) 828/2014 defines thresholds for products declared ‘gluten-free’ (20 mg/kg) and products with a ‘very low gluten content’ (100 mg/kg).


CONTROL PLAN
Our expertise in allergen analysis
For over 20 years, Phytocontrol has been providing its expertise to food industry professionals for the detection and quantification of food allergens, under COFRAC accreditation, subject to European regulations.
- Detection of the 14 regulated allergens, including the 9 tree nuts: detection of allergen DNA by PCR or allergenic proteins by kit, and quantification of detected traces.
- Allergen analyses on swabs and surface samples to check the effectiveness of cleaning procedures.
- Cross-contamination control as part of your HACCP approach to secure your manufacturing processes.
List of the 14 regulated allergens requiring mandatory declaration on packaging:
- Tree nuts (almonds, pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashew nuts, pecan nuts, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts) and derived products
- Crustaceans and molluscs and products based on crustaceans (e.g. crabs, lobsters, prawns)
- Sulphur dioxide and sulphites at concentrations of more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre expressed as SO2
- Peanuts and derived products
- Eggs and egg-based products
- Fish and derived products
- Mustard and mustard-based products
- Cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut or their hybrid strains) and products based on these cereals
- Milk and dairy products (including lactose, casein and betalactoglobulin)
- Molluscs (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops) and mollusc-based products
- Soya and derived products
- Celery and celery-based products
- Sesame seeds and derived products
- Lupin and derived products
QUALITY
Our accreditations
Phytocontrol is COFRAC-accredited for the analysis of allergens in all foodstuffs intended for humans and animals.
Testimonial
How do we support Claire, Quality Manager at a biscuit manufacturer,
in managing allergen risk?

Our products are made from numerous raw materials such as wheat, eggs, milk, soya and tree nuts. We need to be able to verify the effectiveness of our cleaning procedures, prevent cross-contamination and ensure compliant labelling. Phytocontrol provides us with genuine analytical expertise. Results are fast and their teams support us in interpreting the analyses as well as in our control plans. This collaboration allows us to secure our production and confidently meet our customers’ expectations.
Beyond analysis
Our training courses
Recommended training courses
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Allergen analysis
Identify food allergens and control cross-contamination risks.
7 hoursRegistration -
HACCP method introduction
Integrate allergen management into your HACCP approach.
7 hoursRegistration
Questions about our analyses or your project?
Our advisors respond within 24 hours. Describe your needs to us.
SECTORS
Products affected by allergens
Phytocontrol puts its analytical expertise at the service of the food industry to protect consumers and guarantee the quality of foodstuffs.