4 New Food Allergens You Need to Watch For: Proposed Changes to Mandatory Labeling

In a recent study, researchers found that eight foods linked to severe allergic reactions are not properly labeled in Europe. They suggested including goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, buckwheat, and peas-lentils in the mandatory labeling list.

Lead researcher Dominique Sabouraud-Leclerc from CHU Reims, France, highlighted the seriousness of these findings. “Out of nearly 3,000 cases of food-induced anaphylaxis, 413 were caused by these emerging allergens, leading to two fatalities,” she stated. This emphasizes the urgent need for updated food allergy regulations.

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that can occur anywhere from 50 to 112 times a year per 100,000 people. In the United States, about 1 in 20 people will experience it at some point, with around 225 deaths annually. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act currently lists major allergens such as milk, eggs, and peanuts. More recently, sesame was added to this list due to the FASTER Act.

In Europe, 14 allergens are recognized as mandatory for labeling, including gluten, crustaceans, and eggs. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for ensuring consumers are aware of these risks.

The researchers gathered data from food anaphylaxis cases reported to the Allergy Vigilance Network from 2002 to 2023. They identified several foods that led to strong reactions: goat and sheep milk, buckwheat, and others. Notably, severe reactions were recorded with goat and sheep milk, with a significant percentage resulting in severe outcomes.

Emerging allergens with hidden exposures were also highlighted. For example, both goat milk and buckwheat often lead to unexpected allergic reactions when consumed in processed foods.

Experts are pushing for better food labeling to help consumers avoid these risks. This need is especially critical in light of the rising number of allergies globally. In today’s era of increased awareness and understanding of food allergies, many believe updated regulations could save lives.

For more details on food allergies and regulations, you can visit the FDA and the EFSA.

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