RESTAURANTS and takeaways in Bolton are now required to tell customers what potentially allergic ingredients are in their food.

New legislation means that, from today, food proprietors have to inform customers if the food they have ordered contains any of the top 14 allergen ingredients.

The ingredients range from widely known items such as nuts and milk, to lesser known allergens including mustard and lupin seeds, which are often used in flour. Around two million people in the UK suffer from allergies including 2% of adults and 8% of children.

It is hoped the changes will bring about a reduction in the number of allergic reactions caused by people accidentally eating food they are allergic to.

A survey, carried out by the Food Standards Agency, found that 54% of respondents in the North West did not feel confident in their knowledge of ingredients related to food allergies and intolerances.

This poll also found that 7% of North West respondents were more likely to suffer from food intolerances than allergies.

Food businesses such as restaurants and cafes have been given flexibility on how they provide allergy information. This can be communicated verbally through explanations by staff or signposted to where or how more information can be found on menus or in additional leaflets.

The new EU Food Information for Consumers Regulations will also change the way allergy information appears on labelling for pre-packed foods bought in shops and supermarkets.