Primary Locations for Allergen Information on Pre-packaged Food
For most pre-packaged products, food allergen information must be prominently displayed in two key locations on the label. This dual approach ensures that consumers can quickly and easily identify potential risks, even with a brief glance at the packaging.
The Ingredients List
One of the most important places to find allergen information is directly within the ingredients list. To make allergens stand out, they are required to be emphasized each time they appear. This emphasis is commonly achieved through specific formatting:
- Bold text: Many manufacturers use bolding for allergens, making them easy to spot within a longer list. For example: 'Ingredients: Wheat flour, sugar, eggs, milk powder'.
- Contrasting colors: Less common but equally effective, some labels may use a contrasting color to highlight allergens.
- Underlining: Underlining the allergen's name is another method for emphasis.
In some regions, such as the US under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), the specific allergen source name must be included in parentheses immediately following the ingredient. For example, Whey (milk).
The 'Contains' Statement
In addition to the ingredients list, many labels include a separate, concise allergen summary statement, typically located directly after or next to the ingredients list. This statement, which often begins with the word "Contains," provides a clear, at-a-glance summary of all major allergens present in the product.
For example, if a cookie contains wheat, milk, and soy, the label would include a bolded statement like: Contains: Wheat, Milk, Soy. The Contains statement is mandated in some countries to be positioned in the "same field of view" as the ingredients list, ensuring it isn't missed.
Precautionary Allergen Labeling (PAL): The 'May Contain' Warning
Beyond the mandatory Contains statement for ingredients, many manufacturers voluntarily include precautionary allergen labeling (PAL). This warning addresses the potential for unintentional cross-contamination that can occur during the manufacturing process.
How to Interpret 'May Contain'
Precautionary statements, such as May contain... or Manufactured on equipment that also processes..., serve as a warning to highly sensitive individuals. It's crucial to understand that these statements are not legally mandated and are not a substitute for proper allergen control practices. They are used when, despite best efforts, the risk of trace amounts of an allergen being present cannot be eliminated. Consumers with severe allergies are generally advised to avoid products with a relevant May contain statement. A product cannot carry both a 'free-from' claim and a precautionary 'may contain' statement for the same allergen.
Global Variations in Allergen Labeling Regulations
Regulations concerning food allergen labeling are not universally uniform and can differ significantly by country or region. Below is a comparison of some major regulatory approaches.
| Feature | United States (FALCPA & FASTER Act) | European Union (FIC) | Australia & New Zealand (PEAL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emphasized Ingredients | Requires major allergens to be declared in the ingredients list, often in parentheses. | Requires emphasis (e.g., bolding) within the ingredients list. | Requires bolding within the ingredients list. |
| Summary Statement | A "Contains" statement immediately after or next to the ingredients list is common and regulated for packaged foods. | Emphasis required only within the ingredients list; separate "Contains" summary not permitted if an ingredients list is present. | Requires a separate, bolded "Contains" summary statement next to the ingredients list. |
| Precautionary Labeling | Voluntary. FDA emphasizes good manufacturing practices over PAL usage. | Voluntary, based on risk assessment for unavoidable cross-contamination. Must not be misleading. | Voluntary and not regulated by the Food Standards Code. |
| Major Allergens | 9 major allergens, including sesame as of Jan 1, 2023. | 14 major allergens must be declared. | 11 declared allergens, with specific naming conventions for nuts and gluten. |
How Allergen Display Varies by Food Type
The location of allergen information isn't limited to the typical ingredients panel; it depends on how the food is sold.
- Pre-packaged for Direct Sale (PPDS): Foods prepared and packaged on the same premises from which they are sold (e.g., sandwiches or salads from a bakery) require a full ingredients list with allergens emphasized on the label. This was a key change introduced in the UK with 'Natasha's Law'.
- Loose or Non-prepacked Food: For items like those from a deli counter, bakery, or in a restaurant, allergen information must still be available to the customer. This can be provided via:
- Written form: on a menu, chalkboards, or a product information binder.
- Verbally: with a clearly displayed sign directing customers to ask staff for allergen information.
- E-commerce and Distance Selling: When food is purchased online or over the phone, allergen information must be made available to the consumer at two stages:
- Before Purchase: on the website, catalogue, or menu.
- Upon Delivery: written information on the food packaging or an enclosed document.
Conclusion: A Multi-faceted Approach to Safety
For consumers, navigating food allergen information requires understanding that it is displayed in several, often redundant, locations for maximum visibility. The primary display for packaged goods is within the ingredients list and often summarized in a separate 'Contains' statement. For unpackaged foods, the information is provided through menus or verbally by staff. While May contain statements offer cautionary advice on cross-contamination, they are voluntary and should not replace robust allergen management by manufacturers. Ultimately, always reading the entire label and confirming with the provider for non-packaged items is the safest approach for individuals with allergies. For more information on UK regulations, visit the Food Standards Agency.
How to Interpret Allergen Claims
- Allergen Emphasis: Always check the ingredient list for bolded, underlined, or contrasting text that highlights the presence of major allergens.
- Dedicated Summary: Look for a separate, bolded
Containsstatement, often located near the ingredients list, for a quick summary of allergens. - Precautionary Warnings: Treat voluntary
May containstatements as a serious risk indicator, as they signal potential cross-contamination. - Cross-Contamination Risk: Understand that a
May containwarning means the risk of cross-contact cannot be eliminated, not that manufacturers are neglecting safety protocols. - Check All Info: For unpackaged food, ask staff or check visible displays like menus or chalkboards for allergen details.
