What is the big 8 in food? Understanding Major Allergens and Nutrition

November 19, 2025 •

2 min read

Initially accounting for 90% of food-related allergic reactions in the U.S., the term what is the big 8 in food? most commonly refers to a specific group of major allergens including milk, eggs, and peanuts. This guide explains their significance, details the historical context, and clarifies why the term can also refer to nutritional information in the European Union.

Quick Summary

The big 8 foods are a historical list of eight major food allergens identified by regulations like FALCPA. These include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and more, which are critical for food labeling compliance and consumer safety.

Key Points

Allergens vs. Nutrition: The term "Big 8" has two distinct meanings, referring to major allergens in the US (now the "Big 9") and a list of mandatory nutritional values in the EU.
Allergen List: See {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-allergies-what-you-need-know} for the original U.S. "Big 8" allergens.
Regulatory Update: The FASTER Act of 2021 added sesame, making the U.S. list the "Big 9" as of January 1, 2023.
Nutritional Labeling: The EU "Big 8" includes energy value, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt, mandated for consumer information.
Safety First: For people with allergies, thorough label reading, awareness of cross-contamination, and an emergency plan are essential for safety.
Labeling Laws: Food allergen labeling in the U.S. is governed by FALCPA and the FASTER Act, requiring clear declaration of the major allergens.

Unpacking the "Big 8" Food Allergens

In the United States, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) established a clear standard for labeling eight major food allergens. This list, commonly referred to as the "Big 8," was created to provide clarity for consumers and standardize labeling practices for manufacturers. For details on the original list and the updated "Big 9" including sesame under the FASTER Act of 2021, refer to {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-allergies-what-you-need-know}. Separately, the term "Big 8" is used in the European Union (EU) to refer to mandatory nutritional labeling.

The EU's "Big 8" Nutrients

This list includes the following mandatory nutrients per 100g or 100ml:

Energy Value: In Kcal or Kjoule.
Fat: Total fat content.
Saturated Fat: Specific fat breakdown.
Carbohydrates: Total carbohydrate content.
Sugars: Total sugars content.
Protein: Total protein content.
Salt: Amount of salt.
Fiber: Optional but often included.

Comparison Table: Allergen vs. Nutrition


Feature	Big 8 (US) - Major Allergens	Big 8 (EU) - Nutrition Labeling
Purpose	Inform consumers of potentially harmful ingredients causing allergic reactions.	Provide standardized nutritional content.
Governing Law	FALCPA of 2004, FASTER Act of 2021.	EU Food Information Regulation.
Primary Components	See {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-allergies-what-you-need-know} for the US list.	Energy Value, Fat, Saturated Fat, Carbohydrates, Sugars, Protein, Salt.
Labeling	Clearly declared on ingredient lists or in a "Contains" statement.	Displayed in a consistent table format.
Consumer Impact	Prevents life-threatening allergic reactions.	Helps with dietary planning.

Navigating Food Allergies and Labeling

For individuals with food allergies, reading labels carefully is crucial. Major allergens must be declared in clear language. Be aware of advisory statements like "may contain". Cross-contamination is a serious risk, so understanding labels and communicating your needs when dining out is essential.

Symptoms and Emergency Preparedness

Food allergy symptoms vary from mild to severe anaphylaxis. Reactions can occur rapidly. Those with diagnosed allergies should have an emergency action plan from an allergist, including the use of an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed. Informing restaurant staff about your allergy is vital to prevent cross-contact.

Conclusion

The term "Big 8" has different meanings in the context of U.S. allergen regulations and EU nutritional labeling. In the U.S., the original eight major allergens are now part of the "Big 9" with the addition of sesame. In the EU, it refers to mandatory nutritional information. Understanding the correct context is key for managing allergies and interpreting food labels effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

The original "Big 8" major food allergens identified by FALCPA included milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. See {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-allergies-what-you-need-know} for more details.

Yes, the list changed. The FASTER Act of 2021 added sesame as the ninth major food allergen in the U.S., effectively replacing the "Big 8" with the "Big 9" as of January 1, 2023.

The EU "Big 8" refers to a list of mandatory nutritional information on food labels, including energy, fats, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt, not allergens.

Knowing about these common allergens is crucial for individuals with food allergies to avoid severe, potentially life-threatening reactions. It also helps with food labeling awareness.

Symptoms can include hives, swelling of the face, mouth, and throat, digestive issues, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, which can cause difficulty breathing and shock.

In the U.S., major allergens must be clearly stated on the ingredient list, often followed by parentheses clarifying the source, or in a separate "Contains" statement.

Yes, cross-contamination is a major concern. Even trace amounts of an allergen can trigger a reaction, so it's important to be cautious about products that have "may contain" warnings due to shared processing equipment.