This answer covers Germany, where a national ordinance sets out how EU allergen rules apply to loose food.
Is there an exception for small cafés?
The German food ministry says in its overview, with no mention of business size, that allergen information is mandatory for loose food, including at a counter and in a restaurant. We found no exception for homemade food or low turnover. It matters for cake in particular, where several major allergens often come together: gluten, egg, milk, nuts.
Which ways are allowed?
Section 4 of the LMIDV ordinance gives you a choice. Pick the one you can really keep up every day.
| Way | What it takes | Fits if |
|---|---|---|
| Sign at the cake | On or next to the food, clear and easy to read. | Your display changes daily. |
| Menu | At the dish or as a footnote, clearly flagged at its name. | The cake is a fixed menu item. |
| Notice in the café | Visible and readable before buying. | You have a few recipes that never change. |
| Electronic | Direct and easy to reach, plus a note on how guests find it. | Your menu is digital anyway. |
| Spoken | On request before buying, a written record for authorities and guests, and a visible notice in the café. | Your team knows every recipe. |
Spoken sounds easiest but carries the most duties. You can't avoid paper with it either. As a record, the ministry mentions a notebook, an information sheet or a note on the recipe.
How do you manage it with changing cakes?
- One card per recipe. Whoever bakes checks it before the cake goes in the display.
- If an ingredient changes, the card changes the same day.
- If you buy cake in, the duty still applies. Get the allergens from your supplier in writing.
The rule talks about ingredients and processing aids. Whether and how you mention traces is a separate question, so ask your local food authority (Lebensmittelüberwachung), especially if nuts are used in the same kitchen. And stay honest with guests who are truly allergic: if you don't know for sure, tell them.
The full allergen list and more on menus are in our article on allergens on the menu.
Can you do it digitally when the cakes change every day?
Yes, through the electronic route. In the NFCeez app you photograph your cake list with the rest of your menu. The AI suggests allergens from the ingredients, and when you publish you confirm them with your recipe book next to you. If a cake isn't there today, you mark it as unavailable without publishing again. Guests see the allergens right on the dish. The limit: your recipe book stays the written record, and you still need the notice in the café saying where the information is. More on the digital menu.
Your next step: take your three best-selling cakes today and make a card for each one.
How NFCeez does thisAllergens on your cakes, confirmed by you.The AI suggests allergens from the ingredients, and you confirm them when you publish. Whatever isn't in the display today, you mark as unavailable.See how it works
