How to read food-allergen labels in the United States

The nine U.S. major food allergens

Federal law identifies milk, egg, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame as major food allergens. This legal list does not include every food capable of causing an allergic reaction, and it is specific to the United States.

For fish, Crustacean shellfish, and tree nuts, labels generally identify the specific type, such as salmon, shrimp, or almond. A person can be allergic beyond the legally defined major allergens and may need to recognize an ingredient without a bold legal declaration.

Where the source name appears

A major allergen can be declared in the ingredient list by its common name, in parentheses after an ingredient, or in a “Contains” statement immediately after or next to the ingredient list. For example, whey may appear as “whey (milk),” or the package may say “Contains: Milk.”

When a Contains statement is used, it must identify all major allergens present under FDA rules. Still read the ingredient list; it provides the complete recipe context and helps with non-major allergens.

Sesame changed the legal list

Sesame became the ninth U.S. major allergen effective January 1, 2023. FDA has warned that some manufacturers reformulated products to add sesame, so foods previously tolerated may have changed. Older long-shelf-life inventory also complicated the transition.

Tahini, benne, and sesame ingredients require recognition even when the package design is familiar. Contact the manufacturer when the label is unclear rather than inferring safety from an earlier purchase.

Advisory statements are different

Statements such as “may contain,” “processed in a facility,” or “made on shared equipment” concern possible unintended presence. Their wording is voluntary and does not measure a standard amount of risk. Absence of an advisory statement is not proof that cross-contact cannot occur.

Follow the risk approach established with the diagnosing clinician. A generic website cannot decide whether a particular advisory statement is acceptable for an individual.

Know the limits of FDA packaged-food rules

FDA requirements cover most packaged foods and dietary supplements, but important categories fall under other agencies or different contexts, including meat, poultry, certain egg products, alcoholic beverages, raw agricultural commodities, drugs, cosmetics, and many unpackaged restaurant foods.

Imported products sold legally in the United States must meet applicable rules, but labels bought abroad follow local law. Do not transfer a U.S. allergen list to international travel without checking the destination.

A repeatable label routine

1. Confirm the product name, flavor, size, and current package.
2. Read the complete ingredient list.
3. Check parenthetical source names and any Contains statement.
4. Review voluntary advisory wording under the personal care plan.
5. When uncertain, do not eat it; contact the manufacturer with the exact lot or package details.

Keep the package until the food is finished when another caregiver may need to verify it.

Primary reference

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The agency source supports the factual framework. This original guide is not authored, endorsed, or medically reviewed by that agency.