A food labeling law came into effect this January. It is now required for food manufacturers to disclose the name of the containing food allergens. It should be in plain language about the top eight food allergens. About 160 foods are accepted as sources of allergic reactions. Further 90 percent of the allergic reactions linked with foods are caused by one of eight foods. These are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy.
Manufacturers have one option to add a contains statement of allergenic foods. The other option is to place the food source in ingredients list. The name of the allergen needs to appear only once in the statement.
The law is applicable only to pre packaged foods. It is not applied to products or meals ordered in restaurants. However consumer can ask about ingredients and preparation methods to the owners.
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