Food Allergens: The Big 9
Undeclared allergens are one of the leading causes of food recalls. Learn about the major allergens and how to protect yourself or your family.
Why Allergen Recalls Matter
Food allergies affect approximately 32 million Americans, including 5.6 million children. For those with severe allergies, consuming even trace amounts of an allergen can trigger a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Undeclared allergens are one of the most common reasons for food recalls. This happens when a product contains an allergen that isn't listed on the label, often due to:
- Cross-contamination during manufacturing
- Incorrect labeling or packaging
- Recipe changes not reflected on labels
- Supplier ingredient substitutions
The 9 Major Food Allergens
In the United States, federal law (FALCPA) requires food labels to clearly identify these 9 major allergens. As of January 2023, sesame was added to the list.
Milk
Found in butter, cheese, cream, yogurt, and many baked goods. Also called casein or whey.
Eggs
Common in baked goods, mayonnaise, pasta, and many processed foods. Look for albumin, globulin, lysozyme.
Fish
Includes bass, flounder, cod, and others. Can be in Worcestershire sauce, Caesar dressing, and Asian dishes.
Shellfish
Shrimp, crab, lobster, and others. Often in Asian cuisine, seafood flavoring, and some supplements.
Tree Nuts
Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, etc. Found in cereals, crackers, cookies, and some chocolates.
Peanuts
Actually a legume, not a tree nut. Found in many candies, baked goods, and Asian dishes.
Wheat
In bread, pasta, cereal, and many processed foods. Also found in some soy sauce and beer.
Soybeans
Common in Asian foods, many processed foods, and vegetable oils. Soy lecithin is in many products.
Sesame (Added 2023)
Found in tahini, hummus, many baked goods, and Asian cuisine. Seeds and oil both trigger reactions.
Recognizing Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine and emergency medical care.
Common Symptoms
- Hives or skin rash
- Swelling of lips, tongue, throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
What to Do
- Use epinephrine (EpiPen) immediately
- Call 911
- Lay the person flat (unless breathing is difficult)
- Give a second dose of epinephrine after 5-15 minutes if needed
- Go to the emergency room even if symptoms improve
Anaphylaxis can be fatal within minutes. Always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors if you have a severe allergy.
How to Read Labels for Allergens
1. Check the "Contains" Statement
Look for a "Contains:" statement near the ingredient list. This clearly identifies the major allergens present.
2. Read the Full Ingredient List
Allergens must also be identified within the ingredient list, either in parentheses or in bold.
3. Look for Advisory Statements
Many products include voluntary warnings about cross-contamination. These are not required by law but are important for severe allergies.
4. Know Hidden Names
Some allergens can appear under different names:
- Milk: casein, whey, lactalbumin, lactoglobulin
- Eggs: albumin, globulin, lysozyme, ovalbumin
- Wheat: semolina, spelt, durum, einkorn
- Soy: edamame, miso, tempeh, textured vegetable protein
Common Recall Scenarios
Wrong Label on Product
A product containing peanuts is mistakenly labeled with a peanut-free label. This often happens with packaging errors.
Cross-Contamination
Equipment used for products with allergens isn't properly cleaned before making allergen-free products.
Ingredient Substitution
A supplier substitutes an ingredient without notifying the manufacturer, introducing an undeclared allergen.
Recipe Change
A recipe is reformulated to include a new allergen, but old labels are still used or the label isn't updated.
Tips for Managing Food Allergies
- ✓ Always read labels, even for products you've bought before. Formulations change.
- ✓ Check recalls regularly, especially for products you consume often.
- ✓ Ask about ingredients when eating at restaurants or others' homes.
- ✓ Carry two epinephrine auto-injectors at all times if you have a severe allergy.
- ✓ Wear medical identification that lists your allergies.
- ✓ Create an emergency action plan with your doctor.
- ✓ Teach family members and caregivers how to recognize reactions and use epinephrine.
Search for Allergen Recalls
Search our database for products recalled due to undeclared allergens: