Label reading is a critical part of managing your child's food allergies. But it can often be confusing.
Look-Alike Items
For example, it's not uncommon for companies to sell food in similar packaging even though they have different ingredients. These pictures show two packages of cole slaw mix. One just contains vegetables. The other package also contains dressing. But the packages look almost alike. It's easy to grab the wrong one off the shelf.
Items Within a Larger Package
Sometimes, food packages contain smaller packages inside. Always read labels on both packages, because the outer package may not list the same ingredients or warnings as the inside packages.
In this example, the salad lists the ingredients of the package inside. But the second package inside has a "may contain" warning that was not on the outer package.
Manufacturers can change ingredients, processes and packaging at any time. Remember to always check every label, every time to help avoid food allergy reactions.
Comments (3)