A SUSSEX food nutrition expert believes she has created the solution for cafes and restaurants stumped by a new EU law.

Jenny Ridgwell’s free Food Labeller website allows businesses to work out what allergens are in the food they serve. It means small businesses will be able to comply with legislation brought in on Saturday, which states they must provide information to customers on whether food contains any of 14 allergens, ranging from common allergies such as gluten, nuts and wheat to celery, sulphur dioxide and mustard.

Ms Ridgwell, from Lewes, said: “People will be surprised when they find out Worcester sauce contains fish and that some frozen chips are tossed in flour.

“When the public is made aware of the new measures they are going to be asking a lot of questions and they will know the restaurants should know.”

A total of 10% of the population have allergies, and ten people a year in the UK die from allergic reactions.

Ms Ridgwell, who pioneered The Nutrition Program used by food technology and catering students in schools and colleges across the county to analyse recipes and diets, said the new app is aimed at small independent businesses that find the new regulations cumbersome.

It is programmed with 1,000 foods but requires owners to check the ingredients of produce bought from suppliers.

“If you are a little restaurant, you can print off a list of the dishes you serve with a tick box with the allergens.

“So anyone front of house could look at the menu and know which dish was appropriate or not appropriate for someone who was, for example, allergic to gluten or fish.”

The new EU Food Information For Consumers Regulations will also change the way allergy information appears on labelling for pre-packed foods bought in shops and supermarkets. Indianna Laportes, owner of Laportes restaurant in Lewes, said the site’s costing and nutritional info made it easy to use. A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said trading standards officers were happy to hold workshops for food businesses to teach them about the rules.

For details, go to www.thefoodlabeller.com or www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/allergy-guide/allergen-resources.