Many foods can cause food allergies that range from mild to severe symptoms. However, there are 9 top food allergens that account for most food allergies. In January 2023, sesame was added to this list of the most common food allergies.
The law requires that food labels identify all major food allergens by labeling them in the ingredient list or immediately after the ingredient list. These requirements extend to any retail and food-service establishments that package, label, and offer products for human consumption. However, they do not apply to foods that are placed in a wrapper or container following a customer’s order at the point of purchase.
While many different foods can cause allergic reactions, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) identifies the eight most common allergenic foods. These major food allergens make up 90% of food allergic reactions in the United States.
More than 160 foods have been identified to cause food allergies in sensitive individuals. There are also several food ingredients that cause nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions in sensitive individuals that require specific labeling.
More information is available at the following link.
Missouri’s notice of adding sesame as a top food allergen.
