Renowned Indian chef, Cyrus Todiwala, has urged Asian takeaway businesses to follow the new EU legislation which became law last December.

The EU Food Information for Consumers Regulations (EU FIC) requires food businesses to provide information on 14 specific allergens, when used as ingredients, in the food they sell.

New research carried out jointly by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Allergy UK has shown that 70% of those with food allergies avoid buying takeaways due to fears about allergens.

The research also found that more than half of those with allergies (53%) said they avoided eating in restaurants for the same reason.

Mr Todiwala is urging restaurant and takeaway owners to embrace the guidelines to benefit their businesses and keep their customers safe.

Since December 2014, restaurants and takeaways have been required by law to tell customers if 14 specific allergens are used as ingredients in the foods they serve.

This change means that consumers can feel more confident about asking for information on allergenic ingredients when eating out in cafes and restaurants.

The FSA and Allergy UK’s poll a few months ago found that more than two thirds of allergy sufferers - 68% - said they would be more likely to eat out once the new legislation came into force.

Mr Todiwala said: “As restaurant owners we have a responsibility to keep our customers safe and make them feel welcome in our restaurants.

“I make sure that information about allergenic ingredients is clearly available in my restaurants so that people can make safe food choices, and I would encourage all chefs to do the same.”

Around 2 million people in the UK have food allergies including up to 2% of adults and 8% of children. The new laws mean that all food businesses now have to inform their customers about 14 specific allergens.