Products and services

In order for food and beverages to be certified, at least one allergenic ingredient (e.g. gluten or lactose) must be demonstrably removed by suitable processes so that a certain limit value is not exceeded. The establishment must also have an appropriate allergen management system in place. Under certain conditions, foods and beverages that do not naturally contain the allergenic substance can also be certified.

You can find the criteria for the certification of food here.

The Food Law prohibits claims that promise a benefit of a product that all comparable foods also have. This is called protection against deception. This is why, for example, certain foods that naturally do not contain lactose may not be advertised or certified as "lactose-free". Furthermore, certification with the Allergy Seal of Quality is voluntary. We start a certification process only if we receive an application for it.

The Allergy Seal of Quality is intended to make it easier for people with allergies and intolerances to choose suitable foods for themselves. The widest range of foods possible should be available. As part of the certification process, we check whether a food is suitable for a specific allergy or intolerance. Other health aspects are not included in the assessment.

In order to be certified with the Allergy Seal of Quality, a food must be suitable for at least one allergy or intolerance (e.g. example a celery allergy or a lactose intolerance). The Allergy Seal of Quality does not indicate that the product is safe for all allergies and intolerances. We therefore recommend that you always check the claims (e.g. "lactose-free", without celery") on the front of the packaging. If the claim you are looking for is not on the packaging, it is essential to also read the list of ingredients on the back. Allergens are clearly declared there.

In principle, all 14 declarable allergens can be labelled. The applicant for the Allergy Quality Seal decides which claims (e.g. "gluten-free", "lactose-free" and without milk) they would like to have certified. The product database on our website provides a good overview of which allergies and intolerances the products are suitable for. The claims "histamine-free" or "fructose-free" are not possible with the Allergy Quality Seal.

It is important that products with the Allergy Seal of Quality never have traces of the allergen that is being advertised. For example, traces of wheat or spelt are not allowed in gluten-free foods. However, certified products may contain traces of other allergenic ingredients because a person with a lactose intolerance, for example, does not automatically have avoid all other allergenic ingredients that require declaration. In this way, a wide range of controlled and certified foods can be offered to the various people affected.

See question: Are the products completely allergen-free?

Low FODMAP is not a criterion for certification. Among lactose- and gluten-free products, there may be foods that are also low in FODMAP; FODMAP stands for "fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols". This can be judged from the list of ingredients. 

Additives – also known as E-numbers – are allowed as long as they are not derived from allergenic ingredients that are advertised as “free from” on the packaging.

In order for cosmetics to be certified, they must contain the 26 allergenic compounds only in very limited quantities. The Allergy Seal of Quality bans them at concentrations 10 times lower than the Swiss law.

In addition to the above-mentioned basic requirement, the claims "without perfume / without fragrances" as well as "without colorants" are checked if these claims are advertised or used on the packaging.

The detailed criteria for the certification of cosmetics and a list of ingredients that are permitted only to a limited extent can be found here.

If these claims are used, no fragrances or colorants may be used in the product. Accordingly, no plant extracts may be used for perfuming or colouring.
 
You can find the detailed criteria for the certification of cosmetics here.

No. Substances such as plant extracts in natural cosmetics can also trigger allergies.

Products certified with the Allergy Seal of Quality do not necessarily have to be fragrance-free. The claim "without perfume / without fragrances" is not tested as standard, in contrary to the 26 allergenic compounds. There are also certified cosmetics that are also fragrance-free. If this claim is on the packaging of the product, it has also been tested by us.

See question: What criteria are tested for products with the Allergy Seal of Quality?

In order for technical products to be certified, allergens must be kept away from allergy sufferers in accordance with a specified percentage through removal (vacuum, washing), filtration (filtration), or retention (barrier). However, certified vacuum cleaners do not necessarily have to be equipped with a dust collection bag.

You can find the criteria for the certification of technical products here.
 

Depending on the desired claim (e.g. for sensitive skin), the applicable requirements regarding chemical and mechanical irritation of the skin must be observed. Requirements for latex and latex substitutes, silk, and textile floor coverings are also regulated.

You can find the criteria for the certification of textile products here.

In order for detergents and cleaning agents (chemical products) to be certified, they must contain the 26 potentially allergenic substances only in very limited quantities. The Allergy Seal of Quality bans them at concentrations 10 times lower than the Swiss law.

In addition to the above-mentioned basic requirement, the claims "without perfume / without fragrances", "without colorants" as well as "without enzymes" are checked if these claims are advertised or used on the packaging. Unlike the 26 potentially allergenic substances, these three claims are not checked as standard.

The criteria for the certification of detergents and cleaning agents as well as a list of ingredients that are permitted only to a limited extent can be found here.

If these claims are used, no fragrances, colorants or enzymes may be used in the product. Accordingly, no plant extracts may be used for perfuming or colouring.

You can find the detailed criteria for the certification of washing and cleaning agents here.

In order for mite protection covers (encasings) to be certified, allergens must be kept away from allergy sufferers in accordance with a specified percentage by retaining the allergens (barrier).

You can find the criteria for the certification of encasings here.

The materials and weave may differ, but this does not affect the permeability of mite allergens. Fabric samples can be ordered from the manufacturers. You will find the contact details at the bottom of the respective product.

In order for hygiene articles to be certified, they may contain the 26 potentially allergenic compounds, azo and disperse dyes, formaldehyde, nickel and chromium (VI) only in very limited quantities.

In addition to the above-mentioned basic requirements, the claims "without perfume / without fragrances", "without dyes" and "without latex" are tested if these claims are advertised or used on the packaging.

You can find the criteria for the certification of hygiene products here.

Hygiene articles and toiletries include, for example:

• Nappies for babies and toddlers
• Sanitary towels and liners
• Cleaning wipes without lotion

For restaurants to be certified, menus that are optimised or suitable for at least one allergy or intolerance must be offered. The restaurant must also have an appropriate allergen management system in place.

You can find the criteria for the certification of restaurants here.

The certification is voluntary. The restaurant decides for itself whether it wants to be certified. We offer independent inspection and thus additional security for the guests. If a restaurant would like to be certified, it is welcome to contact us.

In order for hotel rooms to be certified, they must, among other things, dispense with textile furniture and curtains. Mite-proof mattress, duvets, and pillow covers must also be provided.

You can find the criteria for the certification of hotel rooms here.