How to Read a Food Label for Food Allergies
So, how do food labels work? What should you look for? Are there any common misunderstandings about food labels? Let’s find out.
Are food labels required by law?
Yes. In the United States, the top 9 food allergens must be listed on food labels primarily because of two laws. These laws are the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) and the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research (FASTER) Act.
The top 9 allergens are:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Cow’s milk
- Fish
- Crustacean shellfish (like crabmeat or shrimp)
- Wheat
- Soy
- Eggs and egg products
- Sesame
Here’s a closer look at the two laws and the allergen labeling requirements:
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)
This law took effect in 2006 to make it easier for people with food allergies to avoid products that contain any food allergen(s).
The law mandates that if any of the top 9 allergens are in a food, they must be listed by their common name. This information can be in the ingredients list or in a “Contains” statement (or both). The “Contains” statement is usually placed immediately after or next to the ingredients. Most food manufacturers have opted to use the “Contains” statement.
The law applies to infant formula and dietary supplements. Any infant formula product or dietary supplement that contains a major food allergen must be labeled with the name of that allergen.
The law also applies to any food additives or flavorings, spices, food coloring and processing aid that contain a top 9 allergen. It does not apply to highly refined peanut, tree nut or soy oils because processing removes the allergen protein from the oil.
Some foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, gluten-containing grains and alcoholic drinks don’t have to follow the allergen-labeling rules. Molluscan shellfish such as clams, oysters, mussels and scallops are not considered a major food allergen under the law and do not have to follow the labeling rules.
Foods prepared in restaurants or grocery stores also don’t have to follow these rules – although many restaurants voluntarily list food allergens on menus.
Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research Act (FASTER)
The FASTER Act was signed into law in 2021. It went into effect in January 2023. The law includes the requirement that sesame be included as one of the top 9 allergens. That means sesame must be listed in a “Contains” statement on the label if it is present in a food product.
What is a precautionary allergen label?
Some food packages use a precautionary allergen label (PAL) with “may contain” or “made in a facility with” phrases. For example, if a cereal is made in the same facility as a peanut granola bar, the food label on the cereal box may read “may contain traces of peanut” or “made in a facility with peanut.”
PALs are intended to alert consumers to potential cross contact of foods. Cross contact is when a food comes into contact with another food, which may result in the transfer of allergen proteins from one food to another.
Cross contact can happen at any point during the food manufacturing process. This can include during farming, packaging or handling at the point of sale. For example, if the same scoop is used for nuts and grains, the grains might contain traces of nuts. (Cross-contact is not the same as cross-contamination, which happens when bacteria or germs get into food.)
The “may contain” or “made in a facility with” phrases are voluntary. And there is no standard way for food companies to use these labels. This creates uncertainty for many people with food allergies.
If there’s a precautionary allergen label on a product, this does not mean it contains that food allergen. But there is a chance it does have it. Deciding whether to eat a food product with a PAL is a personal choice and should be discussed with a doctor or caregiver.
For people with food allergies, the safest option may be to avoid food these food products altogether.
Hide & Seek Food Allergens
Ingredients derived from common food allergens can be listed under many different names on the food label.
Are food labels accurate?
Even with the food allergen labeling laws, mistakes can happen. Sometimes food labels are wrong, and the allergens aren’t listed correctly. In fact, food recalls often happen because of mislabeled items. Milk is often mislabeled – especially when it’s used in baked goods – but mistakes can happen with any allergen. Preparing for the possibility of mistakes is part of living with food allergies.
Food manufacturers may also change ingredients of a product without notice. So even if a food was previously free of allergens, it may not be now.
To stay safe, always read labels carefully for allergenic ingredients before you buy or eat something, even if you’ve had it before. It’s a good idea to read the label three times:
- When you pick it up at the store
- When you put it away at home
- Before you eat or cook the food
If you are unsure about the safety of a food product or packaged foods, call the manufacturer. Ask about food ingredients, how the food is processed, and how items are packaged.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a website for food recalls. Consumers can sign up for food safety alerts, as well as report possible food allergen mislabeling.
What if a food product does not have a label?
If there is no food label on a product, do NOT eat the food! If you have a food allergy, it’s critical that you know what is in every food before you buy it or eat it.
This is especially important for children. Parents should teach their food-allergic children to check food labels when developmentally ready. Label reading is a skill that takes time to develop. Reinforce to children that, if there is no food label, the food should not be eaten.
Do pet food labels include food allergens?
Pet food products are regulated by FDA. They are not required to list food allergens that affect humans. However, many pet foods do contain allergens, such as wheat, dairy, egg and soy. These allergens can be transferred to people by pet saliva, or even direct ingestion by infants and toddlers.
Pet food product labels do list ingredients, so be sure to check those for potential food allergens. If you’re uncertain whether a pet food contains your food allergen, it’s best to contact the manufacturer.
Other conditions that may look like food allergies or co-exist with food allergies?
There are other conditions that are different than food allergies but the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment vary depending upon the condition. Here are some of them.
Written by…
Sherry Coleman Collins, MS, RDN, LD, is an award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist passionate about making the delicious choice the healthy choice and converting the science of nutrition into bite-size nuggets for consumers and professionals. Her areas of interest include food allergies, digestive health, and culinary nutrition. Sherry serves as Communications and Dissemination Fellow with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. She is also on Allergy & Asthma Network’s Medical Advisory Council. Visit her website at DietitianSherry.com.
Reviewed by...
William E. Berger, MD, FACAAI, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who serves as a media spokesperson and Chair of the Medical Advisory Council for Allergy & Asthma Network. He is a Distinguished Fellow and Past President (2002-03) of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).
