Allergens that turn up in supplements
| Allergen | Where it hides |
|---|---|
| Fish | Fish oil, marine collagen, some vitamin D3 |
| Crustaceans | Glucosamine and chitosan from shellfish |
| Milk | Whey and casein protein, lactose fillers |
| Soya | Soya lecithin, some vitamin E |
| Cereals containing gluten | Wheat-based fillers, some probiotics |
| Sulphites | Some botanical extracts and dried fruit powders |
Emphasise them in the ingredients list
The allergen must be emphasised within the ingredients list, for example in bold, so it stands out from the other ingredients: “Fish oil (fish)”, “Whey protein concentrate (milk)”.
“Contains” boxes
A separate “Contains: milk, soya” statement isn’t required. If you use one, it must be in addition to emphasis in the ingredients list, not instead of it.
“May contain” statements
Precautionary “may contain” labelling is voluntary. Use it only when a risk assessment shows a real risk of cross-contamination at your manufacturer, not as a blanket disclaimer.
Ask your manufacturer
Get a full specification for every ingredient, including carriers, capsule shells and flow agents. Most allergen errors come from an ingredient nobody asked about.
Not legal advice. This guide covers the general rules for food supplements sold in Great Britain. Check your own product with a regulatory adviser, your local Trading Standards team or your Primary Authority partner.