Food labels must clearly declare any major food allergens present in the product. Allergens can be declared either within the ingredient list or in a separate "Contains" statement immediately following the ingredient list.
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) originally defined 8 major allergens. The FASTER Act of 2021 added sesame as the ninth, effective January 1, 2023.
For tree nuts, fish, and shellfish, the specific type must be declared — e.g. "almonds," "salmon," or "shrimp."
You can declare allergens using either method — but you must be consistent. Both methods are equally acceptable under FDA rules.
Name the allergen in parentheses within the ingredient list.
Add a "Contains" statement immediately after the ingredient list.
Statements like "May contain peanuts" or "Manufactured in a facility that also processes tree nuts" are voluntary and not regulated by FDA. However, they must not substitute for a required allergen declaration — if an allergen is intentionally added, it must always be declared.
Enter Clear scans your label for missing or incorrect allergen disclosures against current FDA requirements — including the 2023 sesame rule.
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