In recent years, food allergies have become more common, prompting local legislation to enhance transparency and consumer protection.

Italian menus must highlight 14 specific allergens (either underlined or in bold) as mandated by law. These allergens are:

1. Cereals containing gluten, such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt, kamut, and their hybridized strains, along with derived products.
2. Shellfish and products containing it.
3. Eggs and products containing them.
4. Fish and products containing it.
5. Peanuts and products containing them.
6. Soy and  products containing it.
7. Milk and milk-based products (including lactose). 
8. Nuts (such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts or Queensland nuts, and products containing them).
9. Celery and celery-based products.
10. Mustard and mustard-based products.
11. Sesame seeds and sesame seed products.
12. Sulfur dioxide and sulfites (in concentrations above 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l in terms of total SO2).
13. Lupins and lupin products.
14. Crustaceans and products containing them.

 If your child has an allergy not listed here, don't worry. Waitstaff are required to provide detailed ingredient information for all dishes upon request, and this requirement also applies to supermarkets and grocery stores.

Enjoying local food specialties can be a delightful and flavorful part of your Italian holiday. Take necessary precautions with your meals, but do not miss out on experiencingis essential aspect of the local culture.