For safety leads, regulators and operators who need the detail behind the Always Nut Free standard.
Always Nut Free™ standard
The Always Nut Free™ standard sets out a clear, practical framework for managing peanuts and tree nuts across food, facilities and premises, built to sit neatly alongside existing food safety systems in the UK, EU and USA. It translates complex allergen‑control expectations into straightforward requirements, so operators know exactly what they must do, and families can understand at a glance what each mark means in real life. From how ingredients are sourced and labelled to how kitchens, classrooms and dining areas are organised, every element is designed to remove ambiguity and reduce room for interpretation.
By focusing on both safety and clarity, the standard aims to give people with nut allergies confidence that the places and products displaying our marks follow robust, verifiable rules rather than loose promises. It sets consistent expectations for what “nut‑free” and “nut‑safe” actually involve day‑to‑day, covering cross‑contact controls, staff training and communication with visitors. The result is a system that helps businesses demonstrate their commitment, makes decisions easier and faster for allergy‑affected families, and supports a more inclusive environment where more people can relax, take part and feel genuinely looked after.
What the standard does
Always Nut Free sets minimum expectations for ingredients, cross‑contamination controls and information, whether you are making packaged products, running a factory or operating a nut‑safe school or café.
Alongside existing systems
The standard is built to work alongside HACCP, BRCGS and local regulations. You stay responsible for your allergen controls; the marks simply make your approach visible.
Plain‑English wording
Written for manufacturers, caterers and venues, with clear explanations so parents, staff and regulators can understand what sits behind each mark.
Three colours, one language
Blue, green and gold marks tell allergy‑aware families exactly what has been assessed: food, facilities or premises.
Applying the standard
A simple three‑step process that can be applied to food, facilities and premises, with more detailed audits available as the scheme grows.
Decide what you are registering
Decide whether you are applying the standard to nut‑free food, a nut‑safe facility, or a nut‑safe premises.
Complete the self‑declaration
Complete a clear declaration about ingredients, recipes, cross‑contamination controls and labelling, including how you keep information up to date.
Use the sign & appear in the directory
Add the sign to packaging, menus and doors, and appear in the Always Nut Free directory and app so families can find you.
How the signs apply
Three colours, one promise: each sign shows what has been assessed and where the nut‑free commitment applies.
Blue – Nut Free Facility
For products made to a nut‑free recipe with controls designed to keep peanuts and tree nuts out of the ingredients and process.
Green – Nut Free Premises
For manufacturing sites or central kitchens that operate defined procedures to control nut risks across everything they produce.
Gold – Always Nut Free
For schools, cafés and other venues that commit to a whole‑site nut‑safe policy, covering food, events and what visitors bring in.
Scope and limitations
Always Nut Free does not replace legal duties or medical advice. It gives a transparent view of how you manage peanuts and tree nuts.
Legal responsibilities
Registrants remain responsible for complying with food law, allergen regulations and any additional requirements from regulators or customers.
Monitoring & updates
Declarations must be reviewed regularly. If controls change or fall short, listings can be paused or removed.
Medical advice
The standard supports, but never replaces, personalised medical advice from allergy clinicians.
Getting started
Start by creating an account and adding your facilities or premises. You can register your interest in audited certification at any time.