The FDA issued new guidance for industry regarding food allergen labeling. As part of the new guidance the FDA updated its previous list of 23 tree nut species requiring food allergen labeling to twelve species. Coconut is one of the species now excluded from the list of “tree nuts” that must follow food allergen labeling requirements. For a complete list of tree nuts that require food allergen labeling, refer to the Guidance for Industry, Table 1, page 15. While “coconut” is no longer ... Full Article
Crustacean Shellfish Allergy
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) requires the identification of Crustacean shellfish, among other allergies. There’s often confusion about what species are considered a Crustacean shellfish. Shellfish have two groups, crustaceans, and mollusks/bivalves. An allergy to crustaceans is more common, requiring identification by the FDA. FALCPA does not require the identification of mollusks and bivalves. Common crustaceans requiring ... Full Article
FDA Food Allergen Labeling
Food Allergen Labeling Laws The 2021 Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act and the 2004 Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) govern the FDA food allergen labeling laws. The FASTER Act mandates the identification of sesame as an allergen on food labels starting January 1, 2023. FALCPA requires the declaration of eight major allergies on food labels, including egg, fish, milk, peanut, soy, shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat. Nine Major ... Full Article
Sesame Allergen included in FASTER Act
Sesame became the ninth allergen that must be declared on food labels as mandated in the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act. The FASTER Act was signed into law, by President Biden, on April 23, 2021. This change applies to any food for interstate commerce and goes into effect on or after January 1, 2023. Currently, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) of 2004 requires the declaration of eight major food allergies, including egg, ... Full Article
Tips to Avoid Spreading Food Allergens
Cross-contact occurs when a food or surface (utensil, equipment, gloves, towels, etc.) containing an allergen or gluten touches an allergy-/gluten-free food. This contact may be direct (putting croutons which contain wheat and gluten on a salad which is typically free of allergens and gluten), or indirect (hands or utensils carrying food bits, or flour particles in the air). Tips to Prevent Cross-Contact of Allergens and Gluten: Wash all work surfaces, cutting boards, utensils, ... Full Article
