We are introducing Allergen Free Days to all menus

We’re pleased to introduce allergen free days to all school menus. Meals served on this day, including sides and desserts, will be entirely free from the 14 declarable allergens, providing a more inclusive dining experience for pupils.

The 14 declarable allergens include celery, gluten-containing cereals (wheat, rye, barley, oats), crustaceans (prawns, crabs, lobsters), eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs (mussels, oysters), mustard, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, sulphur dioxide/sulphites (if the sulphur dioxide and sulphites are at a concentration of more than ten parts per million) and tree nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios and macadamia nuts). (food.gov.uk).

In 2019, we made our first commitment to supporting pupils with food allergies through our partnership with food tech innovators Kafoodle. With access to the Kafoodle online app, pupils could view their daily menu and filter options based on known food allergens or dietary requirements.

Cllr Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families, said:
“Allergens are a rising issue across the country and HES Catering Services wants to go above and beyond in supporting ‘Natasha’s Law’ by using the latest technology to ensure that pupils with known food allergens are able to safely enjoy their lunches.”

Six years on, we continue to support pupils with allergies by introducing FDA (free from declarable allergen) days to schools across Havering.

Click here to see our 25-26 example menu

On the 25-26 school menus the FDA days will be marked with this sticker