The Big 8
A person can be allergic to ANY food, but in the US about 90% of food-related allergic reactions are caused by eight foods, dubbed “The Big 8”.
These are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
Because of the prevalence of allergies to these eight foods, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) was developed and put into place. FALCPA requires that labels on FDA-regulated foods* list these allergens in one of three ways(1):
In the ingredient list using the food’s common name
In a separate “Contains” statement following the ingredient list
In parentheses in the ingredient list if the ingredient is a less-known form of the allergen, such as “whey (milk).”
Within the categories of fish, shellfish, and nuts, the specific type also has to be listed (e.g. “cashew”)(1). Manufacturers’ labels typically include FALCPA-regulated ingredients in bold type for easy identification.
Labels may also include “may contain”, “processed in a facility that also processes”, or “made on equipment with” statements. These labels are voluntary and do not follow any specific law. They may or may not indicate that a product has come into contact with the allergen(1).
It is important to note that other common allergens are not covered under FALCPA. Some foods such as sesame and mustard may be included in a food and listed as only “natural flavorings”(1). For people with allergies to foods other than the Big 8, it is important to contact manufacturers to obtain information regarding ingredients when such non-specific terms are used.
For more information on food allergies please go to Food Allergy Research and Education: https://www.foodallergy.org/living-food-allergies/food-allergy-essentials/common-allergens
*FDA-regulated foods include all processed foods that cross state borders, except those containing meat, poultry, processed egg products, or catfish.
(1) Food Allergy Research & Education, www.foodallergy.org