Label Reading For The Food Allergic

Previously posted at WEGO Health

The article Have Food Allergies? Read The Label from FoodSafety.gov makes some valid points.

1. If you are allergic to wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shell fish, dairy or soy your allergen should be clearly marked on the label.

2. Yes, "may contain" statements are voluntary.

3. Ingredients can change at any time. Something that was safe last week may not be safe this week. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL.

4. If in doubt leave it out or call the manufacturer to double check on safety. Never take a chance by eating something you *think* may be safe.

But I have an issue with one statement that they said.

So first look for the “Contains” statement. If your allergen is listed, put the product back on the shelf. If there is no “Contains” statement, it’s very important to read the entire ingredient list to see if your allergen is present. If you see its name even once, it’s back to the shelf for that food too.

To me, this statement sounds like if you find a "contains" statement and your allergen isn't there you can trust that the product is safe. I've had instances of where I look at the "contains" statement and my sons allergens are not listed. But when I read the entire label I found it listed in the ingredients. Just because it's listed in one place (like the "contains" statement) doesn't always mean it won't be in the product. I called that manufacture and was told "As long as we list it either in the ingredients or the 'contains' statement we are abiding by FALCPA. If it's clearly listed in the ingredient list, we aren't required to put it in the 'contains' statement.

I don't know whether what I was told was true or not. But even if the manufacturer was wrong, it still happened. So I'd like to clarify that particular statement in the article by saying "Read the entire ingredient list EVERY TIME, even if you see a 'contains' statement". It's better to be safe than sorry.

The other thing to keep in mind is that "may contain" or "manufactured on equipment" statements are voluntary. Depending on how severe your allergies are, you will want to call the manufacturer to double check if other products containing your allergens are manufactured on the same lines or if your allergen is used in the plant and what their safety procedures are for those instances.

For the complete guidelines set forth by the government see Food Allergen Labeling And Consumer Protection Act Of 2004 from the FDA.

What other safety measures can you add to this list that were not mentioned in the original article?