Regulations passed in 2006 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration require manufacturers to label products containing food ingredients that create allergies. Soy, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, milk, egg, fish or crustacean shellfish must be clearly identified on food labels in language that is easily understood by a child. Problems arise with labeling that states the warning "may contain," a statement that means that the product might have come in contact with an allergy trigger.
Peanut Labels and Allergy Signs
The George Mateljan Foundation, a nonprofit health education organization, reports that foods such as peanuts provide healthy protein for most people but that others have sensitivities to the nuts. The foundation labels this condition "food sensitivities." National Public Radio reported in 2007 that nearly 12 million people in the United States have some sort of food allergy or sensitivity. Peanuts frequently trigger adverse reactions, particularly in young children, according to MayoClinic.com. Signs of a peanut allergy include nasal congestion, difficulty in breathing, hives, skin swelling, and itching around the mouth and throat. Other symptoms include nausea and diarrhea.
Preservatives Labels and Allergy Signs
Products list artificial preservatives on the ingredient labels. Processed foods frequently contain benzoates, including sodium benzoate. Grape juice, wine, frozen potatoes, fresh shrimp, brands of jelly and jam, and dried fruits frequently contain sulfites as a preservative. Other frequently used preservatives include monosodium glutamate, glutamic acid, and nitrates and nitrites. Signs of allergic reaction to preservatives include swelling in the face and extremities. Diarrhea, tightness in the chest, hives and cramps may also occur. Severe reactions to preservatives include anaphylactic shock, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, or AAFA.
Food-Coloring Labels and Allergy Signs
Food coloring additives are the area of food allergies most difficult to monitor, since most foods use natural and artificial additives of some sort. Food coloring and artificial and natural flavorings are all classified as additives. AAFA claims that manufacturers use thousands of additives, including vitamins and minerals. Dyes create colorful and appetizing foods, and companies use the dye tartrazine to color hot dogs, ketchup, cheese, candy, beverages and cheese, according to AAFA. Food labeling laws require only that the coloring be included in the list of ingredients; no special labeling on the front of the pack is required. Allergic reactions to tartrazine include swelling on various parts of the body, as well as skin hives.
Dairy-Free Labels and Milk Allergy Signs
People with allergies to dairy products must take extra precautions with the label "dairy free." According to NPR, labels incorporating the term "free" are not regulated by the FDA and therefore come under the individual interpretation of the manufacturer. Dairy products are listed on the ingredient labels of all products in the order of amounts contained in the product. Signs of dairy allergies include stomach gas, skin rashes, diarrhea and fatigue. Reactions may occur immediately or can be delayed, even by days, according to the George Mateljan Foundation. The foundation recommends eliminating cow's milk as a preliminary food when attempting to locate the source of a food allergy.
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