Allergens & Ingredients

Q: How do I find allergen information for specific dishes?

Allergen information is available for all of our dishes and is typically displayed on allergen labels or event signage. You can also view allergen details on our ordering portal alongside each product. Alternatively, our team is always available to provide guidance and help you make informed choices.

Q: What if someone has multiple allergies?

If someone has multiple allergies, please let us know as early as possible. Our team will review the requirements carefully and advise on suitable options, helping you select dishes that are safe and appropriate.

Q: How do you prevent cross-contamination?

We follow strict food safety and handling procedures in our kitchens to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. This includes careful ingredient management, preparation processes, and staff training. However, as allergens are present in our kitchens, we cannot eliminate all risk entirely.

Q: Can you guarantee allergen-free food?

No—we cannot guarantee that any of our food is completely free from allergens. While we take every reasonable precaution, our food is prepared in environments where allergens are handled, so there is always a potential risk of trace presence.

Q: What does “may contain traces” mean in practice?

“May contain traces” means that while an allergen is not an intended ingredient, it may be present in very small amounts due to shared preparation areas or supply chains. This is particularly important for individuals with severe allergies.

Q: How far in advance should I provide dietary requirements?

We recommend providing dietary requirements at the time of ordering wherever possible. This allows us to plan effectively and ensure appropriate options are included. For larger events or complex requirements, earlier notice is always helpful.

Q: What if dietary needs change after an order is placed?

If dietary requirements change, please contact us as soon as possible. We’ll always do our best to accommodate updates, depending on timing and the nature of the request.

Q: Is your poultry Halal?

Yes—our poultry is Halal, and we offer a range of Halal-compliant menu options. If you have specific requirements, our team will be happy to advise on suitable dishes and ensure your needs are met.

We manage all 14 major allergens with clear labelling, rigorous kitchen procedures, and detailed ingredient information for every menu item. We operate a multi-ingredient kitchen — traces cannot be fully guaranteed. If anyone in your group has a serious allergy, please speak to us directly before ordering.

Discuss your requirements

Our allergen statement

We operate a multi-ingredient production kitchen and take every care to label allergens clearly. However, we cannot completely remove the possibility of cross-contamination. If anyone receiving food from us has a serious allergy, please take this into account and contact us before placing your order. We welcome any questions about our allergen management processes.

Ingredient tracking

Every ingredient is documented and tracked through our supply chain with full allergen information recorded.

Kitchen protocols

Dedicated preparation procedures, equipment cleaning processes, and cross-contamination prevention measures throughout.

Clear labelling

All dishes clearly labelled with allergen information at the point of service.

Staff training

Regular allergen awareness training for all kitchen and service staff.

Regular audits

Systematic safety audits and compliance checks to ensure procedures are followed consistently.

ERUDUS data system

We use ERUDUS for allergen data management — an industry-standard platform for accurate, up-to-date ingredient information.

Celery

Including stalks, leaves, seeds, and celeriac

Cereals containing gluten

Wheat, rye, barley, oats

Crustaceans

Crabs, lobster, prawns, shrimp

Eggs

All forms including in baked goods

Fish

All species, including in sauces and stocks

Lupin

Seeds and flour, found in some breads and pastries

Milk

All dairy, including lactose and butter

Molluscs

Mussels, oysters, squid, snails

Mustard

Seeds, leaves, powder, and prepared mustard

Peanuts

Also known as ground nuts

Sesame

Seeds, oil, and tahini

Soybeans

Beans, tofu, miso, and soya-based sauces

Sulphur dioxide/sulphites

Preservatives found in dried fruit, wine, and some sauces

Tree nuts

Almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazils, pistachios, macadamias

Discuss Allergens With Us

Product-Specific Allergen Information

Detailed allergen information for specific menu items is available through our online ordering platform for meeting room catering. For workplace catering and events: Allergen information is provided as part of your menu planning process. Your dedicated account manager ensures all dietary requirements are documented and communicated clearly, with detailed allergen information provided for your chosen menus. For meeting room deliveries: Browse our online ordering platform to view complete allergen information for every dish. Each menu item shows which of the 14 major allergens it contains, helping you make informed choices quickly. Whether ordering online or working with our team directly, you'll have complete allergen transparency for every item we serve.

Vegetarian

Extensive vegetarian options across all menus, from breakfast to events.

Vegan

Plant-based meals with no animal products, clearly labelled and separated.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free options using certified ingredients, with cross-contamination protocols.

Discuss Dietary Needs

Dietary Requirements at Scale

Managing dietary needs for 50, 200, or 500+ people requires systematic processes: Comprehensive tracking of all requirements during ordering or planning. Appropriate menu proportions based on typical distributions (15-20% with specific needs). Clear labelling at service for easy identification. Dedicated preparation protocols preventing cross-contamination. Account manager coordination for workplace programmes ensuring consistency. Large-scale dietary accommodation is standard practice, not an exceptional request.

Halal Catering

Halal catering requires dedicated processes and specialized handling. We maintain separate Halal provision with certified suppliers, distinct preparation protocols, and full certification documentation. Please contact us directly to discuss your Halal requirements. We'll explain our processes, certification, and how we ensure proper compliance with Islamic dietary law.

Trusted by leading organisations

"Excellent catering for in house lunches. Great service and easy to order from there website. Hot food is always piping hot and tasty"

“I have used Sands Catering for an annual reception for two years running. The team made planning from overseas easy, and everything was exactly as expected. We had many compliments about the food and the staff were very helpful and professional.”

“The food was perfect and the service excellent. Sands catered for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary requirements with everything clearly labelled. Everyone at the event was extremely impressed.”

How do I find allergen information for specific dishes?

What if someone has multiple allergies?

How do you prevent cross-contamination?

Can you guarantee allergen-free food?

What does “may contain traces” mean in practice?

How far in advance should I provide dietary requirements?

What if dietary needs change after an order is placed?

Is your poultry Halal?

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