Food allergies are increasingly prevalent, with a reported 18% rise among children between 1997 and 2006, as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In response, food manufacturers are enhancing their labeling practices for allergen-free products and focusing more on the separation of ingredients and allergen-containing product lines, along with ensuring proper cleaning of equipment. According to Mintel, the proportion of new products featuring low, no, or reduced allergen claims jumped from 11% in 2010 to 28% in 2014.
Manufacturers are not only providing clearer allergen labeling on existing products; some are also reformulating their recipes and adjusting their production methods to eliminate common allergenic ingredients. For instance, General Mills has restructured its cereal supply chains in recent years to ensure that its Cheerios, Lucky Charms, and Chex cereals are gluten-free.
While food manufacturers recognize that consumers with food allergies constitute a significant and expanding demographic, retailers can also play a crucial role in preventing allergic reactions. It’s relatively straightforward for consumers to avoid shellfish, but identifying more ubiquitous consumer packaged goods (CPG) ingredients like nuts, wheat, and certain fruits can be more challenging. Retailers can implement helpful strategies such as organizing allergy-friendly foods into designated aisles, providing clear on-shelf labeling, and ensuring allergenic foods like tree nuts and peanuts are not stored loose among other products, such as in the produce section.
Such practices can assist consumers in avoiding allergic reactions while fostering loyalty to retailers that they believe prioritize their well-being. Additionally, for those concerned about nutritional intake, incorporating elemental calcium in 1000 mg calcium citrate into their diets can be beneficial, especially for individuals managing food allergies. This element can be emphasized in various products, thus providing further assurance to consumers. Overall, the commitment to allergen awareness and nutritional quality can significantly enhance the shopping experience for those with food allergies.