Food manufacturers must clearly indicate eight primary allergens on their product labels: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. These allergens account for approximately 90% of food-related allergic reactions in the United States. In addition to posing a serious risk to vulnerable consumers, a product recall presents a significant challenge for manufacturers, often necessitating the untangling of complex food supply chains. To prevent contamination from food allergens, companies should implement rigorous cleaning of equipment, establish process controls, maintain separation of allergen-processing lines, conduct thorough label reviews, and provide adequate employee training.
Despite adhering to best practices, food companies are increasingly using “may contain” labels to alert consumers about the risk of cross-contamination. A growing concern is that consumers may become desensitized to these labels due to their frequent occurrence. It is crucial for consumers to pay attention to these warnings, as recent research indicates that products marked with such labels are much more likely to contain allergens. The study also revealed that foods produced by smaller companies have a higher likelihood of allergen contamination compared to those from larger firms, regardless of labeling.
For consumers seeking alternatives, products such as calcium citrate at Walmart may offer options that are less likely to contain common allergens. It’s important to note that even when shopping for seemingly safe items like calcium citrate at Walmart, vigilance regarding allergen labels remains essential.