Tree-nut allergies affect 2% of children and 0.5% of adults in the UK. When someone has a tree-nut allergy, their immune system is reacting to the proteins in the nut. These nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts and shea nuts.

Peanuts are another common cause of food allergies. Individuals who have been diagnosed with a peanut and/or nut allergy ought to avoid all tree nuts and peanuts. This is the advice that Waitrose also recommends to customers.

Loose foods sold at the self-serve and service counters are not suitable for those suffering from nut allergies due to the risk of cross-contamination. Due to the production methods in some of our factories, there is a small possibility that some products need to display the following disclaimer on pack: ‘may contain nuts and peanuts’.

Sesame is one of the top 10 causes of food allergies and can cause severe reactions in some cases. Sesame oil should be avoided, as should loose bakery and delicatessen foods due to cross-contamination risk.

Food-labelling regulations require pre-packed food to clearly state if it – or one of its ingredients – contains sesame. All Waitrose own-label products containing sesame will also state this in an allergy-advice panel on the label.

Due to production methods in some of our factories, there is a small possibility that some products may contain sesame traces. As a precautionary measure, these lines will carry the disclaimer ‘may contain traces of sesame’.

Lupin is a tall, colourful flower whose seeds are used to make lupin flour, which can be used in pasta, pancakes and baked goods (more common in mainland Europe than the UK).

Lupin is classed as a legume in the same family as peanuts, therefore some with a peanut allergy may also be allergic to lupin. But you don’t need to automatically avoid it, so it’s important to seek the advice of a doctor or state-registered dietitian.

Mustard is sometimes a masked or hidden allergen in foods, especially in places where mustard is prominent in the diet, such as France. It’s important to know if mustard is present as it may not be obvious by sight, taste or smell. It’s unknown how common mustard allergy is in the UK. Foods that contain mustard can include certain condiments, dressings, soups, stocks and seasonings.

Molluscs include clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, squid and snails. A mollusc allergy is different from a shellfish/crustacean allergy, but some people are allergic to both, and some can eat one but not the other. In the UK, both shellfish and molluscs are classed as major allergens, so will always be highlighted on ingredients lists. If you’re concerned or unsure, seek the advice of a doctor or a state-registered dietitian. It’s important not to restrict your diet unnecessarily.

Sulphur dioxide and other sulphites are used as preservatives in a wide range of foods and beverages. They can cause allergy-like symptoms in people with underlying asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Sulphur dioxide is also produced naturally when wine and beer are made, and it is added to wine during the bottling process. Usually, most of the ‘head space’ in a bottle of wine (the part of the bottle not filled with wine) is sulphur dioxide.

Food-labelling regulations require pre-packed food to show on the label if sulphites are present at levels above 10mg per kg. All Waitrose own-label products that contain sulphites will also state this in an allergy-advice panel on the label.

Foods that may contain sulphites include:

• pickled foods and vinegar
• dried fruit, such as dried apricots, prunes and raisins
• maraschino cherries
• tinned coconut milk
• beer, wine and cider
• vegetable juices
• some soft drinks
• grape juice
• bottled lemon juice and lime juice
• condiments (such as bottled sauces)
• guacamole
• dehydrated, pre-cut or peeled potatoes
• fresh or frozen prawns
• some processed meat products

A shellfish allergy can be severe, and those affected can react to different types so are often advised to avoid them all. Food-labelling regulations require pre-packed food to clearly state on the label if it – or one of its ingredients – contains shellfish. All Waitrose own-label products that contain shellfish will also state this in an allergy-advice panel on the label.

Those with a fish allergy are usually advised to avoid all fish, as reactions can be severe. Some are allergic to cooked and raw fish; others are just allergic to cooked. If you’re unsure, it’s best to avoid both.

Food-labelling regulations require pre-packed food to clearly state on the label if it, or one of its ingredients, contains fish. All Waitrose own-label products that contain fish will also state this in an allergy-advice panel on the label.

Celery is often hidden in foods, so in 2014 it was added to the mandatory list of allergens on all packaging. Celery seeds can be found in spice mixtures or used as celery salt to flavour food. Other foods that may contain celery include stock cubes and gravy granules; soups, stews and broths; salads; dressings and sauces; spice mixes; condiments such as Marmite; crisps; tomato juice and smoothies.