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Legumes: Allergies

Asked by John GradyLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 27 January 2026UIN 106747

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure that food products include labels on pea and legume allergies.

Answered by Ashley Dalton

There are a large number of potential food ingredients that may cause allergic reactions in sensitised individuals. The current 14 regulated allergens are recognised as the most common and potent allergens of public health concern across Europe. They must be clearly identified on prepacked foods and communicated effectively when eating out. Although peas and other legumes are not regulated allergens, they must still be declared in the ingredients list when they are intentionally used in any prepacked food products.

The Food Standards Agency continues to work to make it easier for people with food hypersensitivities, such as allergies, intolerances, and coeliac disease, to have access to clear and accurate information which is a fundamental part of its work. Its research can be found at the following link:

https://www.food.gov.uk/research/food-hypersensitivity

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