Allergen Policy for The Cake Garden, Ellington.

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1. Purpose of This Policy

This Allergen Policy outlines how I manage, communicate, and minimise allergen risks within my cake‑making business. As a sole‑trader cake maker, I take food safety seriously and aim to provide clear, accurate information so customers can make informed choices.

 

2. Allergen Awareness

I follow UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidance and recognise the 14 legally regulated allergens:

• Cereals containing gluten (wheat, barley, rye, oats)

• Eggs

• Milk

• Peanuts

• Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts)

• Sesame

• Soybeans

• Fish

• Crustaceans

• Molluscs

• Celery

• Mustard

• Lupin

• Sulphur dioxide/sulphites

 

3. Ingredients & Allergen Information

• All cakes, fillings, toppings, decorations, and edible images may contain or come into contact with one or more of the 14 allergens.

• Full ingredient and allergen information is available on request before ordering.

• Any changes to recipes or suppliers will be communicated to customers if they affect allergen content.

 

4. Cross‑Contamination Statement

As a small cake business, I cannot guarantee an allergen‑free environment.

Despite strict hygiene practices, allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy are regularly used in my kitchen. Therefore:

I cannot offer cakes as “free from” any allergen.

Customers with severe allergies should consider this carefully before ordering.

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5. Kitchen Practices to Reduce Risk

    While allergen‑free products cannot be guaranteed, I take the following steps to reduce cross‑contamination:

• Thorough cleaning and sanitising of work surfaces and equipment before each order

• Separate storage of major allergens where possible

• Clear labelling of ingredients

• Washing hands frequently and changing gloves when appropriate

• Using dedicated tools for allergen‑specific ingredients when practical

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6. Customer Responsibilities

    To ensure safety:

• Customers must inform me of any allergies or intolerances before placing an order.

• Failure to disclose allergies means I cannot accept responsibility for reactions.

• Customers should review all allergen information provided before confirming their order.

 

7. Labelling & Collection

Allergen information will be:

• Provided verbally or in writing during the ordering process

• Included on product labels or order notes where relevant

• Reconfirmed at collection or delivery

 

8. Disclaimer

While every effort is made to minimise risk, I cannot guarantee the total absence of allergens. By placing an order, customers acknowledge and accept this risk.

 

9. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or whenever there are changes to recipes, suppliers, or legal requirements.

 

Created 08.09.2026

 

The Cake Garden, Ellington Business Centre, Lynemouth Road, Ellington, NE61 5HB.

Email: thecakegarden@hotmail.co.uk