MILK EGG SOY WHEAT PEANUT TREE NUT SHELLFISH FISH
THESE EIGHT FOODS, ALSO KNOWN AS THE "TOP 8" IN THE US,
ACCOUNT FOR APPROXIMATELY 90% OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS.
THESE EIGHT FOODS, ALSO KNOWN AS THE "TOP 8" IN THE US,
ACCOUNT FOR APPROXIMATELY 90% OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS.
You can however, be allergic to any food. Some other types of food that have been known to cause allergic reactions are corn, meats (chicken, beef, pork, etc.), seeds (sesame, sunflower, mustard, etc.), fruits (apples, tomatoes, pineapple, etc.) and some spices such as garlic and cinnamon. Nonfood items that can also cause an allergic reaction are latex, medicines and insect stings.
It is also important to remember that some nonfood items can contain food ingredients; therefore causing a reaction. One example of this is nut or seed oils in lotions and cosmetics. Some medications can also contain food items. Many chewable medicines contain milk derivatives.
Due to this it is imperative that all doctors and pharmacists know about your food allergies, so that they can recommend the best medication for you.
Food Labeling Law
The FALCPA, Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act became effective on January 1, 2006. This law makes it mandatory for manufacturers to clearly identify on product labels if any ingredients contain protein derived from any of the “Top 8” allergens (listed above). This means that the ingredients must be in “plain English." For example, a label must specifically state “milk” instead of “whey."
Please know that this does NOT require the possible allergens to be in bold print, summarized at the bottom of the ingredient list, or in a “Contains” statement.
Unfortunately there are some flaws to the FALCPA that could put those with food allergies at risk.
There is no requirement to label for cross contact. The “May Contain…” or “Processed in a Facility with…” statements are voluntary. The FDA does not regulate these statements. If you see a product that does not list a cross contact warning, do not assume that there is no cross contact.
Another possible issue with the FALCPA is that “highly refined” oils are not considered allergens (such as peanut or soybean oil). The process for making these oils should remove all proteins. The protein of the food is what causes an allergic reaction. Many feel that these highly refined oils are safe for those with food allergies. Discuss this with your doctor to make the best decision for your health situation.
Since the FALCPA only includes the “Top 8” foods listed above, all other ingredients do not have to be listed in plain English. If an ingredient list states “natural flavors” or “spices” then it may possibly contain any food that is a non-Top 8 item.
If there is concern of cross contact or a presence of non-top 8 allergen, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer and ask for more specific information about the product. As food allergies become more prevalent, many companies are equipped to answer these questions. There are still many companies that choose to not fully disclose all of their ingredients. It is best to avoid these food items if there is a possibility that your food allergens may be present in the product.
Always read the ingredient label
The FDA does NOT regulate statements on the front of packages, such as “Dairy Free”. For example, a yogurt labeled “dairy free” can still be cultured from milk and therefore contain a milk derivative and not be safe for someone with a milk allergy to consume.
Do NOT assume that "Nut Free Facility" is safe for peanut allergy and that a "Peanut Free Facility" is safe for tree nut allergy. Often, many grocery store bakeries will however group peanuts and tree nuts together in a "contains nuts" category indicating that it is neither safe for peanut or tree nut allergies.
It is also important to remember that some nonfood items can contain food ingredients; therefore causing a reaction. One example of this is nut or seed oils in lotions and cosmetics. Some medications can also contain food items. Many chewable medicines contain milk derivatives.
Due to this it is imperative that all doctors and pharmacists know about your food allergies, so that they can recommend the best medication for you.
Food Labeling Law
The FALCPA, Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act became effective on January 1, 2006. This law makes it mandatory for manufacturers to clearly identify on product labels if any ingredients contain protein derived from any of the “Top 8” allergens (listed above). This means that the ingredients must be in “plain English." For example, a label must specifically state “milk” instead of “whey."
Please know that this does NOT require the possible allergens to be in bold print, summarized at the bottom of the ingredient list, or in a “Contains” statement.
Unfortunately there are some flaws to the FALCPA that could put those with food allergies at risk.
There is no requirement to label for cross contact. The “May Contain…” or “Processed in a Facility with…” statements are voluntary. The FDA does not regulate these statements. If you see a product that does not list a cross contact warning, do not assume that there is no cross contact.
Another possible issue with the FALCPA is that “highly refined” oils are not considered allergens (such as peanut or soybean oil). The process for making these oils should remove all proteins. The protein of the food is what causes an allergic reaction. Many feel that these highly refined oils are safe for those with food allergies. Discuss this with your doctor to make the best decision for your health situation.
Since the FALCPA only includes the “Top 8” foods listed above, all other ingredients do not have to be listed in plain English. If an ingredient list states “natural flavors” or “spices” then it may possibly contain any food that is a non-Top 8 item.
If there is concern of cross contact or a presence of non-top 8 allergen, it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer and ask for more specific information about the product. As food allergies become more prevalent, many companies are equipped to answer these questions. There are still many companies that choose to not fully disclose all of their ingredients. It is best to avoid these food items if there is a possibility that your food allergens may be present in the product.
Always read the ingredient label
The FDA does NOT regulate statements on the front of packages, such as “Dairy Free”. For example, a yogurt labeled “dairy free” can still be cultured from milk and therefore contain a milk derivative and not be safe for someone with a milk allergy to consume.
Do NOT assume that "Nut Free Facility" is safe for peanut allergy and that a "Peanut Free Facility" is safe for tree nut allergy. Often, many grocery store bakeries will however group peanuts and tree nuts together in a "contains nuts" category indicating that it is neither safe for peanut or tree nut allergies.
