The Top 8 Food Allergens

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration now requires food manufacturers to list any of the top 8 allergens that are contained in their products. 

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts)
• Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder)
• Shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp)
• Soy
• Wheat

With the apparent rise in food allergies, it's of some comfort to people with those food allergies to have that requirement.  However, the label requirement only applies to ingredients put in the product itself. 

Cross-contamination can happen during the manufacturing process.  For example, a wheat-free product may be produced using the same equipment as a product containing wheat, which means there could be some wheat in the 'wheat-free' product.  Some manufacturers will put the warning on the label that equipment has been shared but, at this point, that is voluntary.

If you have a significant reaction to any of these allergens, it is best to contact the manufacturer directly. Have the product packaging with you during the call.  The bar code is often essential to making sure you and the employee are talking about the same product. 

Listen closely to the person you reach.  Do they really understand the allergy and the importance of a correct answer?  Do they talk the language?  Do they refer to a database of allergen info on their computer or appear to be guessing? "I don't think we use wheat in any of our products." is a big, red flag.

The FDA has issued standards for foods to be labeled 'gluten-free' but that labeling is currently voluntary.   Even if wheat is not listed as an allergen, the product may still contain gluten from barley, rye, or oats unless it is clearly marked 'gluten-free'.

Here at The Easy Entree, we list the major ingredients in each entree.  Go to www.TheEasyEntree.com.  Click on "Entrees" and then the link "Ingredients".  Of course, that's the first step.  Call me and we can continue the discussion.

All my best,

Evelyn

734-5502

www.TheEasyEntree.com