Food Labels

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), which took effect January 1, 2006, mandates that the labels of foods containing major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy) declare the allergen in plain language, either in 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.

Although FALCPA has made label reading easier, FARE advises individuals and families who are managing food allergies to read all labels on all packages carefully every time.

Additional Resources

How to Read a Label Information Sheet > 
Frequently Asked Questions About FALCPA > 
Information on “May Contain” Statements >