Food businesses on the Mornington Peninsula play a key role in keeping the community safe.
With food allergies and intolerances on the rise, managing allergens is essential to protect customers and meet legal obligations.
Under Standard 1.2.3 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, food businesses must clearly declare allergen ingredients on packaged foods. For unpackaged foods, accurate allergen information must be provided to customers upon request. Menus and advertising materials must also be truthful and accurate.
Why is this important?
Some people are allergic to particular foods or ingredients. Reactions can range from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Food businesses must be aware of allergens in the food they prepare and serve to avoid serious health risks and legal consequences.
On the Mornington Peninsula, this responsibility is especially important given the diversity of food offerings and the community’s expectations around food safety. By taking allergen management seriously, local businesses can build trust and contribute to a safer dining environment.
To help staff provide correct information, businesses are encouraged to develop and maintain an allergen matrix a simple table listing common allergens in each menu item (see below). This tool supports clear communication with customers and helps reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Many food retailers promote “gluten free” options, but this label comes with strict requirements. The Food Act 1984 (Vic) and the Food Standards Code require that any food labelled or advertised as “gluten free” must contain no detectable gluten. There is no allowable “trace” level.
Gluten can cause adverse reactions in people with intolerances and severe health issues for those with coeliac disease. If gluten is present in a food item that is claimed to be gluten free, it constitutes a breach of the law. Businesses are advised to consult a qualified food safety consultant to develop an allergen management plan if they wish to offer gluten free products.
Around 90% of allergic reactions are caused by just 10 foods: wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, fish, soy, sesame seeds, and lupin.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Environmental Health team is available to assist food businesses with understanding and meeting their allergen management responsibilities. Whether you need help with labelling, allergen matrices, or general compliance, the team can provide guidance and resources.
Food businesses that demonstrate excellence in allergen management may be eligible to join the Best Bites program. This initiative recognises local food businesses that excel in food safety, nutrition, sustainability, and access and inclusion.
To qualify, businesses must:
Allergen management is a key part of the annual food safety assessment. By providing accurate allergen information and protecting customers, businesses contribute to a safer and more inclusive food environment on the Peninsula.
For more information and training on food allergens, visit:
Content reviewed and updated October 2025
