Reading food allergy labels is not only important, it is vital to living safely with food allergies.
But sometimes consumers need to do more than just read the label.
Today Sue and guest Caroline Moassessi, Grateful Foodie blogger and Allergic Living product editor, discuss how to accurately understand food labels and how to contact a manufacturer to get the information you need to make an informed food choice decision. They also give personal stories and helpful hints to help protect your food allergy child.
Additional questions the ladies address are:
1) What do I need to know about label reading?
2) What do different phrases on labels mean? (i.e. manufactured on a machine, made in a facility)
3) How do I call a manufacturer?
4) Should I call a manufacturer or reference the website for the best information?
5) How do I keep ahead of recalls?
6) What if a label is incorrect?
7) What if my child has a reaction to a food and I feel the product is mislabeled?
8) What is SmartLabel and why do I need to know about it?
Helpful Resources
How to read a label for food allergy Kids with Food Allergies (KFA)
Food Labels Explained Food Allergy Reseach & Education (FARE)
Food Allergy Labeling Law Food Allergen Label & Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)
How to Read a Label When You Have Food Allergies Allergic Living Magazine
Recall Lists
FDA Recalls This list provides information gathered from press releases and other public notices about certain recalls of Food & Drug Administration-regulated products. Not all recalls have press releases or are posted on this list.
USDA Recalls The United States Department of Agriculture page contains summary data on ACTIVE recall cases involving Food Safety and Inspection Services regulated food products
FARE Allergy Alert The Food Allergy Research & Education’s Allergy Alerts include food recalls involving only the FDA-defined top 8 food allergens (milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts), as issued by the FDA, the USDA, or the manufacturer.
FAACT The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team alerts provide information gathered from public notices and press releases about food allergen-related recalls of FDA-regulated products.
SnackSafely The Snack Guild is an up to date catalog of allergy-friendly foods used by thousands of schools and tens of thousands of parents nationwide to help keep allergens out of the classroom and the home. All are peanut and tree nut free with many free of the Top 8 allergens.
SmartLabel™ An app that provides easy and instantaneous access to detailed information about thousands of food, beverage, personal care, household and pet care products.
Meet Caroline Moassessi
I’m Caroline. I am a wife and the mother of two food allergic (peanut, tree nut, sesame, and flaxseed) and asthmatic children. I’m a passionate advocate for all things food allergy and asthma and lung health. I never trust the first thing I hear and must research everything. I love people and laugh quite a bit. I sometimes talk too much. I bake better than I cook. I love a good garage sale. I can dig in my heels when necessary. I work hard at trying to find a balance for my busy life. I’m crazy for funky jewelry, art, and books.
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