Mustard is not one of the top common food allergens in Australia, but it is a known allergen and can cause severe allergic reactions. In the European Union, Canada and 8 other countries, mustard is one of the allergens that must be declared on food labels.
For people with a confirmed mustard allergy, remember to always read food labels but be careful as mustard is not one of Australia’s common food allergens that must be declared on packaged food and drink labels, such as egg, wheat and peanut. If you are unsure about the allergen content, contact the manufacturer.
Always tell food service staff about your mustard allergy when eating out or ordering food online. Foods that can include mustard are:
- Chinese dishes
- Japanese dishes
- Indian dishes
- French dishes
- Italian dishes
- Middle Eastern dishes
- Salads
Note the above is only a guide and does not include all possible uses of mustard. Mustard can be used in mixed spices, as well as in sauces and dressings as a thickener or stabiliser.
In 2020, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved a new product—rapeseed protein isolate—for use in the Australian food system that people with a mustard allergy may also react to. A&AA put in a submission on this proposal in August 2020 outlining our concerns. FSANZ approved the use of rapeseed protein isolate in foods.
More about food allergies
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