Understanding Food Labels

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer
Protection Act, which became effective
January 2006, requires the following:

1.  Any ingredient made from the top eight food
allergens must be declared on the label of foods
regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration.
The FDA regulates all food except meat, poultry and
eggs.

2.  Wheat is listed as one of the eight allergens.
3. The allergen must be listed by its common name.
4.  The allergen must be declared if used in spices,
natural or artificial flavoring, additives, or colorings.

The USDA regulates meat, poultry, and egg proteins.
Labels for these foods do not have to have to list
allergens, but the USDA encourages manufacturers
to voluntarily list all allergens.