Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Analysis of 1016 Commercial Food Ingredient Labels to Review Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) Compliance, Use of Advisory Statements, and Possible Pitfalls for Food-Allergic Consumers
Section snippets
Rationale
Labeling terminology has changed since FALCPA; labeling practices impact food-allergic consumers but have not been extensively assessed.
Methods
Details of label terminology were assessed by trained surveyors for 1016 commercial products.
Results
At least one “major” allergen was listed for 73% of products. Allergen disclosure techniques included: separate warnings, using bold font, and parentheses. Six of 184 (3%) products using scientific terms (e.g., “whey”) failed to disclose allergen in plain English. Twelve of 181 products (7%) indicating a food category (e.g., nut/fish) failed to disclose the exact type (e.g., “walnut”). Regarding advisory labeling (not regulated by FALCPA), 19 different types of terminology were found; the most
Conclusions
General compliance with the FALCPA legislation appears high, though discrepancies and ambiguities resulting in non-compliant disclosure were identified. There are many circumstances where lack of full ingredient disclosure would present obstacles for persons with allergies to foods not considered “major allergens.” Finally, consumers are exposed to an array of advisory labeling terms, not regulated by the FALCPA, presenting varying details and unclear risk disclosure.
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Funding: Food Allergy Initiative