FDA Public Hearing on Advisory Labeling
In September, 2008, FDA held a public hearing on the use of advisory (“May Contain”) labeling on packaged food items. FDA has begun to develop a long-term strategy to help manufacturers use these statements in a clear and consistent manner, so that food-allergic consumers and their caregivers can be adequately informed as to the potential presence of major allergens. Representatives from FAAN testified at the FDA hearing, and provided valuable insight from the perspective of the food-allergic consumer.
FDA accepted more than 200 written public comments from consumer advocates, as well as individual consumers, through January 14, 2009. To read some of these comments, click here.
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires food manufacturers to disclose in plain language whether products contain any of the top eight food allergens.
This law, which took effect
January 1, 2006, mandates that the labels of foods containing milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and soy declare the allergen in plain language on the ingredient list or via
- the word “Contains” followed by the name of the major food allergen – for example, “Contains milk, wheat” – or
- a parenthetical statement in the list of ingredients – for example, “albumin (egg)”
Such ingredients must be listed if they are present in any amount, even in colors, flavors, or spice blends. Additionally, manufacturers must list the specific nut (e.g., almond, walnut, cashew) or seafood (e.g., tuna, salmon, shrimp, lobster) that is used. While more than 160 foods have been identified as causing allergic reactions, the top eight allergens cause 90 percent of food-allergic reactions.
FALCPA has made label reading easier for the millions of Americans living with food allergies. Continue to read all labels on all packages carefully.
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