Accidental-Food allergy warnings are confusing people as they are vague and unspecific. These warnings indicate that a particular food product may accidentally contain the wrong product. Here are some examples of the warnings:
- May contain Traces of X
- Made in the same factory as X
- Made in the same facility as X
In 2006, a U.S. law required foods to disclose in simple language if they intentionally contained allergenic ingredients such as peanuts, gluten etc. On the other hand, Accidental food allergy warnings indicate that a food may accidentally contain the wrong ingredient.
According to Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, there are about 30 different ways these warnings are presented. The warning on a food product may sound frightening than others. This causes people to assume a particular food is more risky than others.
Food allergy warnings should be more meaningful, so that the consumer would be able to decide whether to buy the product or not. Making all the foods at home may be the solution for food allergies; however, this may not be practical.
Steps taken by the Authorities to Clear the Confusion over Food Allergy Warnings:
Here are the following steps taken by the authorities to clear the confusion over food allergy warnings:
- On September 16, The Food and Drug Administration will ask questions regarding the confusion over food allergy warnings, at a public hearing. The FDA considers this as a first step in developing a “long term strategy” to clear the confusion
- The Grocery Manufacturers of America has been formulating new guidelines on food allergy warnings and has been working on it for more than one year
- Health officials of U.S. and Canada are discussing about setting standards for food allergy warnings
- Canadian authorities are advising food manufacturers to clarify the food allergy warnings. Food products should contain one of the two labels: “Not suitable for consumption by persons who are allergic to X” or “May contain allergen X”
The FDA has acknowledged that advisory labeling may not be protecting the health of allergic consumers. Also, Canadian authorities say that accidental-health allergy warnings are misleading consumers. Hence, these authorities are taking steps to make the food allergy warnings more meaningful and reliable.
Accidental food-allergy warnings are vague and can be misleading. People should not ignore these warnings. Until the allergy warnings become more specific, people should be alert by reading labels and warnings carefully.
