What foods are labeled?
Any domestic or imported packaged food regulated by the FDA is required to have a label that lists whether the product contains one of the top eight allergens. What allergy information is included on the label? The label lists the type of allergen — for example, the type of tree nut (almond, walnut) or the type of crustacean shellfish (crab, shrimp) — as well as any ingredient that contains a protein from the eight major food allergens. The labels also include any allergens found in flavorings, colorings or other additives. What foods aren’t labeled? Fresh produce, fresh meat and certain highly refined oils do not require listing of potential food allergens on the labels. Foods that may inadvertently come into contact with a food allergen during the growing, harvesting or manufacturing process also are exempt. However, although they aren’t required to do so, manufacturers may indicate the possibility that trace amounts of allergy-causing foods may be included.
