The only way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid the foods you (or your child) are allergic to. It is important to know how to identify those foods, as well as to understand how foods are labeled in the U.S.
Allergen Avoidance Lists
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food allergen label law requires foods to state if they contain a top 8 food allergen (milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, wheat, soy, fish, crustacean shellfish). Foods that contain these allergens must say so in plain English.
It is important to read every label, every time.
Use our guides to help you find hidden allergens. Print our small travel-size cards and take them with you when you leave the house or go shopping.
Allergens may hide under "hidden" names in these products:
- Cosmetics and personal care products
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Pet food, toys and crafts
To prevent allergic reactions to food, it's important to know how to identify your allergens.
Additional resources:
Choosing Safe Foods: How to Read Labels So You Can Avoid Food Allergens
Wheat Allergy Warning: Hidden Places You May Find Wheat
Milk Allergy Warning: Hidden Places You May Find Milk
Do the Food Allergen Labeling Laws Apply to Cosmetics?
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