For parents of children with food allergies, grocery shopping can feel like navigating a minefield. Hidden allergens, unclear ingredient lists, and misleading labels can make it challenging to ensure your child’s safety. Understanding how to decode food labels is an essential skill that can prevent allergic reactions and promote safer eating habits. Here’s how you can become a pro at reading food labels and making informed choices for your child.
Understanding the Allergen Food Labeling Law
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that the top nine major food allergens—milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame—must be clearly identified on packaged foods in the U.S. This law mandates that allergens are listed in plain language within the ingredient list or in a separate “Contains” statement.
Example:
- Ingredient List: Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid), sugar, butter (milk), eggs.
- Contains: Wheat, milk, eggs.
Despite this requirement, cross-contamination warnings such as “May contain peanuts” or “Processed in a facility that also processes tree nuts” are not regulated, meaning manufacturers are not required to include them. This makes it even more critical to read labels carefully and contact manufacturers when in doubt.
Key Terms to Watch For
Food allergens aren’t always listed in straightforward terms. Manufacturers may use scientific or alternative names for common allergens.
Here are some examples:
- Milk: Casein, whey, lactalbumin, ghee.
- Eggs: Albumin, lysozyme, globulin.
- Wheat: Semolina, spelt, durum, farina.
- Soy: Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soy lecithin.
- Peanuts/Tree Nuts: Mandelonas (a type of nut), marzipan, praline, shea nut.
Hidden Allergens in Packaged Food Labels
Even when a food product doesn’t explicitly list an allergen, cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing. It’s essential to be cautious with:
- Processed snacks: Many snack foods, including crackers, granola bars, and baked goods, are produced in facilities that handle nuts, dairy, or wheat.
- Sauces and condiments: Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and salad dressings may contain hidden allergens.
- Deli meats and cheeses: Cross-contamination from slicing machines is common.
- “Natural flavors” or “spices”: These vague terms can sometimes include allergenic ingredients.
How to Safeguard Your Child’s Diet Through Food Labels
- Read Every Label, Every Time
- Manufacturers change recipes and production processes, so a previously safe product may suddenly contain an allergen.
- Know Alternative Names
- Familiarize yourself with the different names allergens may appear under.
- Look for Allergy-Friendly Certifications
- Some brands label products as “allergy-friendly” or “free from” specific allergens, offering added peace of mind.
- Use Allergy-Tracking Apps
- Apps like “ContentChecked” or “Spoon Guru” can scan barcodes and alert you to potential allergens.
- Call the Manufacturer
- If a label is unclear or missing important allergen information, don’t hesitate to reach out to the company for clarification.
Empowering Safer Choices
Decoding food labels is a crucial step in ensuring your child’s safety when managing food allergies. By staying vigilant, educating yourself on label terminology, and using available resources, you can make confident and informed decisions. At Thrive Pediatrics, we support parents in navigating food allergies and ensuring their children have access to safe, nutritious options. If you have concerns about food allergies or label reading, our team is here to help guide you on this journey.
For more information or to schedule an allergy consultation, contact us today!
