A CUSTOMER was treated in hospital after it is believed they suffered a severe allergic reaction to nuts in a Widnes restaurant.

Halton Council confirmed today that environmental health officers are now mounting an investigation.

It is understood that the victim had a nut allergy.

Anaphylaxis is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic response.

In severe cases, a sufferer will go into shock, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Environmental officers are visiting food outlets across Runcorn and Widnes to warn them that must comply with new rules which affect the way they provide allergen information.

Under legislation introduced in December 2014, all food businesses must verbally explain or signpost allergenic information about the food they sell or provide.

They have to inform customers if any of 14 specific allergenic ingredients are present in the food they make or serve.

The information can be printed on menus or notices or verbally explained by staff.

Food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions and the numbers of people with this condition are growing.

Council food officers have been providing free information to all their businesses during routine inspections.

Dr Chun-Han Chan from the Food Standards Agency said: "Food allergies affect approximately five to eight per cent of children and one to two percent of adults.

"This means that around two million people in the UK are living with a food allergy.

“People with food allergies can react to very small amounts of food, such as a teaspoon of yoghurt, a single peanut or even an egg glaze used to brush over pies.

"There is no cure for food allergies, so the only way for people to manage the condition is to avoid the food that makes them ill.

“This is where providing accurate food allergen labelling and information is important and why food businesses, local authorities and the Food Standards Agency are all working together to ensure consumers have clear and accurate information."

A Halton Council spokesman said: "Businesses could be missing out on vital custom or breaking the law by not providing clear and accurate allergen information about the food they sell or serve.

“If any business needs advice and guidance on the new rules, they can get in touch with the authority food safety officer for help."

Advice is available at food.gov.uk/allergy.