Food Allergen Awareness Course (EU): The 14 allergens and where they hide

1. Question 1 of 15

   How many allergens are listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011?

   • A14
   • B8
   • C12
   • D20
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   Answer: A. 14

   Annex II lists 14 substances or products causing allergies or intolerances.

2. Question 2 of 15

   Which of these is one of the 14 allergens?

   • ACelery
   • BGarlic
   • CTomato
   • DStrawberries
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   Answer: A. Celery

   Celery and products made from it are item 9 in Annex II.

3. Question 3 of 15

   Which of these is also on the EU list of 14 allergens?

   • AChickpeas
   • BLupin
   • CSunflower seeds
   • DLentils
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   Answer: B. Lupin

   Lupin and products made from it are item 13 in Annex II.

4. Question 4 of 15

   Which cereals are named in Annex II as "cereals containing gluten"?

   • AWheat, rice, maize and buckwheat
   • BWheat, rye, rice and maize
   • CWheat (including spelt), rye, barley and oats
   • DOnly wheat, rye and barley, but not oats
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   Answer: C. Wheat (including spelt), rye, barley and oats

   Annex II names wheat (such as spelt and khorasan wheat), rye, barley, oats and their hybrids.

5. Question 5 of 15

   How are peanuts treated on the EU allergen list?

   • AAs one of the eight listed tree nuts
   • BThey are not on the list
   • CAs a separate allergen from tree nuts
   • DOnly roasted peanuts are on the list
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   Answer: C. As a separate allergen from tree nuts

   Peanuts are item 5 in Annex II. Tree nuts are a separate item (item 8).

6. Question 6 of 15

   Which of these is one of the tree nuts listed in Annex II?

   • APistachio nuts
   • BCoconut flesh
   • CPine nut kernels
   • DPeanuts (groundnuts)
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   Answer: A. Pistachio nuts

   The listed tree nuts are almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios and macadamia nuts. Peanuts are a separate item.

7. Question 7 of 15

   How many kinds of tree nut are named in Annex II?

   • A6
   • B8
   • C14
   • D10
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   Answer: B. 8

   Annex II names eight tree nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios and macadamia (Queensland) nuts.

8. Question 8 of 15

   Which of these counts as milk under Annex II?

   • ALactose
   • BIsinglass
   • CFully refined soybean oil
   • DLactitol
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   Answer: A. Lactose

   Annex II says milk and its products, including lactose. Lactitol is an exception.

9. Question 9 of 15

   Above what level must sulphur dioxide and sulphites be declared?

   • AMore than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre, as total SO2
   • BAt any level at all, however small the amount
   • CMore than 100 mg/kg or 100 mg/litre, as total SO2
   • DMore than 1 mg/kg or 1 mg/litre, as total SO2
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   Answer: A. More than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre, as total SO2

   Annex II lists sulphur dioxide and sulphites at concentrations of more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/litre, expressed as total SO2.

10. Question 10 of 15

    Spelt flour contains which allergen?

    • ATree nuts
    • BNo allergen, because spelt is not wheat
    • CLupin
    • DCereals containing gluten (wheat)
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    Answer: D. Cereals containing gluten (wheat)

    Annex II names wheat "such as spelt and khorasan wheat", so spelt must be declared as a cereal containing gluten.

11. Question 11 of 15

    Which of these products is an exception and does NOT need to be declared as soy?

    • ASoya lecithin in chocolate
    • BFully refined soybean oil
    • CSoya flour in a bread mix
    • DSoy sauce used in a marinade
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    Answer: B. Fully refined soybean oil

    Fully refined soybean oil and fat is an exception in Annex II. Other soy products must be declared.

12. Question 12 of 15

    Which use of fish is an exception in Annex II?

    • AFish sauce used in a Thai curry paste
    • BIsinglass used to clarify beer and wine
    • CSmoked salmon served in a sandwich
    • DAnchovies blended into a salad dressing
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    Answer: B. Isinglass used to clarify beer and wine

    Fish gelatine or isinglass used as a fining agent in beer and wine is an exception. Fish used as an ingredient must be declared.

13. Question 13 of 15

    A dish uses a ready-made sauce. Why must you check the sauce's supplier information?

    • AOnly the main ingredient of a dish needs to be checked for allergens
    • BMinor parts like sauces can contain allergens not obvious from the dish
    • CSupplier information is only about price and delivery times
    • DSauces never contain any of the 14 allergens, so it is just a habit
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    Answer: B. Minor parts like sauces can contain allergens not obvious from the dish

    Allergen information must cover minor components such as sauces and condiments. Get a product's allergen information before using it.

14. Question 14 of 15

    How is the sulphite level checked for a food that must be made up with water before eating?

    • AOn the amount eaten in a whole week
    • BOn the weight of the packaging
    • COn the dry powder, before any water is added to it
    • DOn the food as made up by the maker's instructions
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    Answer: D. On the food as made up by the maker's instructions

    Annex II says the level is calculated on the product as ready for consumption or as made up according to the manufacturer's instructions.

15. Question 15 of 15

    A business makes fish cakes. What does the Irish food authority advise about the allergen information?

    • ANo allergen information is needed, because the name already says fish
    • BDeclare all the allergens, including fish, even though it is in the name
    • CDeclare only the allergens not in the name
    • DDeclare allergens only if a customer asks
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    Answer: B. Declare all the allergens, including fish, even though it is in the name

    Products like fish cakes may contain several allergens, so the FSAI advises declaring all of them, even the one in the name.

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