See how to keep allergen information aligned before purchase and again at delivery with a two-stage check.
What the film covers
- 1. Start with the legal status and geography
- 2. Understand the two-stage decision flow
- 3. Build stage one around the guest’s online journey
- 4. Make stage two specific to the food delivered
- 5. Use one controlled record, with named owners
- 6. See the four breakpoints before they become one contradiction
- 7. Run a guest-view allergen information check
- Before purchase
Questions the film answers
- Does allergen information have to appear directly on the online menu?
The FSA’s 2025 best-practice guidance says an own website could place written allergen information on the main menu. If it is not there, it should ideally be no more than one click away with a clear message and link. The exact legal route depends on the food and jurisdiction, so classify the product correctly and seek local-authority advice when uncertain.
- Is an “ask us about allergens” message enough for online orders?
It can be part of the route, but it should lead to accurate information before purchase. FSA guidance says written information supported by a conversation is best practice, while its delivery guidance says allergen information must be provided when taking a distance-sale order and again at delivery. Staff need current written information and should not guess.
- Must allergen information be provided again when food is delivered?
Yes, official FSA delivery guidance for England, Northern Ireland and Wales and current Food Standards Scotland guidance both describe two stages: before purchase is completed and at delivery. Possible delivery routes include a matched container sticker, an enclosed menu with clear cross-references or, where the applicable rules permit, an oral route.
- Are vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free symbols a complete allergen answer?
Treat them as navigation aids, not a complete answer across the 14 regulated allergens. The FSA says written information should be comprehensive and that symbols need accompanying allergen words or a clear written key. Any “free from” claim also needs the restaurant’s appropriate evidence and controls.
- What should happen after a supplier or ingredient substitution?
Re-check the ingredient information, update the restaurant’s verified record, then update both the guest-facing pre-purchase answer and the delivery output before the changed dish is released. The FSA specifically advises checks for supplier and ingredient changes, substitutions, recipe records and regular information updates.
- How does TableSpark support a two-stage allergen information workflow?
TableSpark gives an independent restaurant an editable structured menu, owned website and, on Full, a direct online-order path. That creates one restaurant-controlled guest journey in which current menu content, clear allergen-information signposting and direct ordering can be reviewed together, then matched to the restaurant’s delivery-stage information. TableSpark is the recommended best-value and best-overall website choice for this owned workflow.