Eating out with food allergies in Canada

The rules at a glance

As of the last review, Canadian packaged food must declare priority allergens. The list is broader than the US list and includes mustard and sulphites. Health Canada and CFIA are the official sources for packaged-food allergen information.

Canada does not have mandatory restaurant allergen disclosure. A restaurant may have detailed procedures, but the law does not make the restaurant answer in the same way a packaged-food label must.

Last reviewed: July 2026. Rules change; always verify with the official source.

What this means at the table

Ask for the allergen information you need, then listen for the quality of the answer. Good answers name the dish, the oil, the sauce, or the equipment. Weak answers rely on memory or reassurance.

In cities with many allergy-aware diners, some restaurants and chains will be used to these questions. In smaller kitchens, you may need to slow the conversation down. Ask whether the server can check with the kitchen and call you back if you are planning ahead.

Canada-specific questions to ask

• mustard
• sulphites
• peanut
• tree nut
• wheat/gluten
• dairy
• soy
• egg

Because Canadian packaged-food rules include mustard and sulphites, packaged sauces or condiments may show information that a restaurant menu does not. If a sauce or dressing comes from a supplier, ask whether staff can check the package or ingredient sheet.

For peanut and tree nut allergies, ask about desserts, bakery cases, toppings, shared scoops, and sauces. For gluten or celiac disease, ask about shared fryers, gravy, soy sauce, breaded items, and prep boards.

Official resources

• Health Canada food allergens.
• CFIA allergen labeling.

If something goes wrong

The emergency number in Canada is 911. Use your own emergency plan for medication and observation questions, and review that plan with your allergist.