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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.


cole-slaw-look-alike-labels-food-allergy



TIP: Read the label when you buy, read the label before you cook

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.


salad-different-inside-package-label-food-allergy



Manufacturers can change ingredients, processes and packaging at any time. Remember to always check every label, every time to help avoid food allergy reactions.

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You don't have to manage your child's food allergies alone. KFA has educational information, food allergy news and a Safe Eatsยฎ Recipe database to help you keep your child safe. We also have discussion forums where you can talk to other parents and caregivers managing food allergies in a safe, encouraging environment.

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Attachments

Images (6)
  • salad-comparison
  • aldi-salad1-top
  • coleslaw-comparison
  • coleslaw-front-20190505_130941
  • cole-slaw-look-alike-labels-food-allergy
  • salad-different-inside-package-label-food-allergy

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Comments (3)

Newest · Oldest · Popular

Thank you for reminder to Read labels and not get relaxed on reading common
products as safe.

I am very worried about cupcakes label said PEANUT FREE Facility BUT...i
never seen strawberry cupcakes so decided to read label it said nuts n
pecans in ingredients...i s so glad i read ..my daughter is allergic to
nuts ALL nut and i was taking them to school for LAST DAY OF SCHOOL SNACK
TO CHANGE OUT THE TEACHERS SNACKS FOR SAFE TREATS ..SCARY!! AND im
discusted the label said peanut free sticker to fool the buyer!!!

Please see if this is common to use labels PEANUT FREE yet have tree nuts!!!

The average friend or family may think its safe

S
Last edited by Kathy P
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