Allergen guides

Allergen Guides by Country

Nine allergens appear on the food-labelling lists of the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, and Canada: peanut, tree nuts, egg, milk, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and sesame. The details differ more than you might expect. The US leaves molluscs off its list, the EU names eight tree nuts where Canada names nine, and sesame only became a US allergen in 2023.

Each guide below covers one allergen in one region: the official label rule, what that region's guideline body says about introducing the food to babies, and a link to every source. For the full lists side by side, see Allergen Lists by Region. Sources checked September 2026.

Educational note: These guides summarise official rules and published guidance. They are not medical advice; ask your paediatrician about your own baby. Read our full disclaimer.

United States

Label rules: FDA · Introduction guidance: CDC

European Union

Label rules: EU Regulation 1169/2011 · Introduction guidance: EFSA

United Kingdom

Label rules: Food Standards Agency · Introduction guidance: NHS

Australia / New Zealand

Label rules: FSANZ · Introduction guidance: ASCIA

Canada

Label rules: Health Canada · Introduction guidance: CPS