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. Beyond posing a serious threat to sensitive consumers, a product recall presents a significant challenge for manufacturers, often necessitating the untangling of complex food supply chains. To prevent food allergen contamination, protocols should include thorough equipment cleaning, process controls, the separation of processing lines that handle allergens, label assessments, and employee training.
Despite implementing best practices, food companies are increasingly resorting to “may contain” labels to alert consumers about possible cross-contamination. However, there is concern that consumers may become desensitized to these warnings due to their frequent usage. It is crucial for consumers not to overlook these labels, as products marked with them are statistically more likely to harbor allergens, according to a recent study. The research indicated that foods produced by smaller companies tend to have a higher likelihood of allergen contamination compared to those from larger firms, regardless of labeling.
In this context, it’s worth mentioning that consumers seeking to supplement their diet with products like Citracal calcium should remain vigilant. Although Citracal calcium can provide important nutritional benefits, it is essential to check for allergen labels, especially in products from smaller manufacturers, which may pose a higher risk of containing allergens. Thus, both awareness and caution are key when navigating food choices, particularly when opting for supplements like Citracal calcium.