Glossary
Precautionary allergen labelling (PAL)
Voluntary wording such as “may contain” used when a real risk of cross-contact remains after controls.
Reviewed against official guidance.SourcesNot legal advice.
In practice
Use only where the risk is real; it is not a legal substitute for an ingredients list.
On LabelClear we keep this definition tight so every guide uses the same meaning. If your situation is unusual, check with your local authority.
Questions
Is PAL required by Natasha’s Law?
No. Natasha’s Law requires the emphasised ingredients list on PPDS food. PAL is separate risk communication.
Is PAL the same as “may contain”?
“May contain” is the common PAL phrase. Other wording exists; the principle is the same.
Official sources
Everything on this page traces back to these. Where they and we disagree, they are right — tell us and we'll fix it.
- Introduction to allergen labelling for PPDS foodFood Standards Agency / GOV.UK
- Labelling guidance for prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) food productsFood Standards Agency / GOV.UK
Related: May contain · May contain vs contains · Allergen labelling