When a manufacturer states ‘may contain’ on their packaging but the product is not listed as an ingredient, do you state this on your menus or Allergen Matrix?

The answer is Yes.  If a manufacturer has stated a food item “may contain” an ingredient or allergen, it means their factory risk assessment has determined that there is a potential for cross contamination to have occurred in the manufacturing process. There is a possibility of traces of the declared allergen in their product.

Therefore, as part of your due diligence, you must also warn your customers that there is potential for traces of this allergen in the food. It is essential that you provide this information. If you do not pass on this information and someone has an allergic reaction you will be found at fault as the manufacturer passed this information on to you.