FDA Posts Final Guidance on Food Allergen Labeling

WASHINGTON—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its guidance on food allergen labeling, although comments and suggestion may still be submitted any time. "Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, including the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act [FALCPA] of 2004" acts as a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document, detailing the specifics of the FALCPA, including allergens covered, cut-off date for compliance, the exact information required to be declared and what types of food products fall under the regulation.

According to the document, foods currently under regulation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFD&CA) and packaged after Jan. 1, 2006, must comply with the allergen labeling rules, which involve "major" food allergens—milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. While these allergen categories comprise only 90 percent of the available allergies, those not on the list are not covered under the FALCPA. In the case of tree nuts, the specific type of nut must be declared on the label; similarly, the species must be declared for crustacean shellfish. The document further defines the components of each major food allergen category and provides details on who needs to comply and the penalties for non-compliance.

For more information and to view the document, visit www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/05d-0490-gdl0002.pdf.