Understanding Food Labels for People with Food Allergies

Why Reading Food Labels Matters

If you or someone in your household has a food allergy, carefully reading food labels is one of the most important ways to stay safe.

Even small amounts of an allergen can trigger a reaction. Food labels help you identify ingredients that may cause harm — but they must be read every time you buy or eat a product.

According to Food Allergy Research & Education, packaged foods in the U.S. are required to clearly identify major allergens when present.

The 9 Major Food Allergens

By law, food manufacturers must list these allergens when they are used as ingredients:

Milk
Eggs
Peanuts
Tree nuts (like almonds, walnuts, cashews)
Wheat
Soy
Sesame
Fish (like salmon or tuna)
Shellfish (like shrimp, crab, lobster)

👉 These allergens must be disclosed if they are included directly or as part of another ingredient (such as a spice blend or flavoring).

Where Allergens Show Up on Labels

Food allergens may appear in two different places:

1. Inside the Ingredient List

Example:

Whey (milk)
Lecithin (soy)

Sometimes allergens may appear under less familiar names.

Example:

Casein = milk protein
Albumin = egg protein

2. In a “Contains” Statement

After the ingredient list, you may see:

Contains: Milk, Wheat

This helps quickly identify major allergens.

If a product contains a tree nut or fish/ crustacean shellfish, the specific type must be listed.

Example:

Contains: Tree nuts (walnut)

Foods That May NOT Have Allergen Labels

Not all foods are required to list allergens.

These may include:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh meat, poultry, or seafood
Foods prepared in restaurants or bakeries
Deli or take-out items
Highly refined oils (even if derived from allergens)

Because of this, always ask questions when eating foods that are not packaged.

Watch for “Precautionary” Statements

Some products include warnings like:

“May contain…”
“Processed in a facility with…”
“Made on shared equipment…”

These are called precautionary allergen statements.

They are not required by law — and not all companies use them.

If you have a severe allergy, talk with your healthcare provider about whether to avoid these foods.

Also, as noted by FARE, "Phrases such as “peanut-free” and “egg-free” are not regulated. Product labels can bear these phrases but be made in facilities where the allergens are present. Always contact the manufacturer if you are unsure."

Tips for Reading Labels Safely

A helpful rule:

Read the label THREE times (as suggested by FARE How to Read a Food Label)

✔ When buying
✔ When putting away
✔ Before eating

Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change at any time.

Hidden Names for Allergens

Some allergens may be listed under unfamiliar names.

Examples:

Allergen	May Be Listed As
Milk	Casein, whey, lactose
Egg	Albumin, globulin
Soy	Lecithin, hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Wheat	Semolina, durum, malt

If you are unsure about an ingredient:

➡ Contact the manufacturer using the phone number on the label.

Special Considerations for Older Adults

As we age:

Food sensitivities may increase
Medication interactions can complicate reactions
Immune response may change

Take extra care with:

Processed foods
Combination products
Supplements
Meal replacement drinks

Simple Safety Habits

✔ Keep a list of your allergens
✔ Bring it when shopping
✔ Avoid guessing ingredients
✔ When in doubt — leave it out

Recognizing an Allergic Reaction & What To Do

Even when you carefully read labels, accidental exposure can still happen. Knowing the signs of an allergic reaction — and what to do — can help keep you safe.

Common Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

Reactions can range from mild to severe and may happen within minutes to a few hours after eating a food.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms may include:

Itching of the mouth, skin, or ears
A few hives or localized rash
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Runny nose or sneezing

Severe Symptoms (Anaphylaxis) may include:

Trouble breathing or wheezing
Widespread hives, rash/redness
Tightness in throat
Hoarse voice
Difficulty swallowing
Dizziness or fainting
Rapid heartbeat
Severe swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat
Sudden drop in blood pressure
Confusion

🚨 Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency

What To Do If You Think You Are Having an Allergic Reaction

For Mild Symptoms:

Stop eating the food immediately
Monitor symptoms closely for any worsening
Take medication as directed by your healthcare provider (such as an antihistamine)

For Severe Symptoms:

Use your prescribed epinephrine auto-injector immediately (if available)
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care right away
Do not wait to see if symptoms improve

Important Safety Tips

✔ Always carry prescribed allergy medications if recommended by your provider
✔ Make family members or caregivers aware of your allergies
✔ Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet
✔ Have an emergency action plan in place

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Speak with your provider if:

You suspect a food allergy
You have had a reaction in the past
You need help creating an emergency plan
You are unsure whether you should carry epinephrine
Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.

Medical Disclaimer

This resource is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals with food allergies should follow guidance from their healthcare provider, allergist, or registered dietitian regarding allergen avoidance and label interpretation. Food manufacturers may change ingredients or processing methods at any time. Always read labels carefully and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about safe food choices.

Sources:

This handout is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

This content was created with the assistance of AI. Any AI-generated content was reviewed by a Nurse Practitioner.