Allergen Labeling Bill Unnecessary

May 1, 2001

The National Food Processors Association says legislation on labeling of allergens in food products is unnecessary. Rep. Nita Lowey of New York reportedly is preparing to introduce a bill to address the issue.

Rhona Applebaum, executive vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for the NFPA, said existing regulations "clearly require that all ingredients be listed on food labels in order to protect consumers with food allergies, and FDA (the Food and Drug Administration) has ample authority to enforce those regulations."

Also, she said, the food industry is working with FDA and consumer groups on new guidelines to ensure that industry practices are truly effective in providing accurate labeling for the presence of allergens in food.

"The food industry takes the issue of food allergens very seriously," Applebaum said. "Food companies have taken the lead in developing manufacturing practices to help avoid the inclusion of any unlabeled allergens in food products, as well as in ensuring the accuracy of food labeling when it comes to the presence of allergens in food products."

NFPA has published an industry 'Code of Practice' for managing food allergens, which specifically addresses allergen labeling. The code was developed with input not only from NFPA's member companies but also from FDA and USDA and the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, the leading consumer group addressing this issue, she said. "It is the food industry's position that food processors must be diligent in informing consumers about the presence of allergens in products."