May Contain: The Allergy Dad
Reading Labels Like a Boss
What the law makes companies tell you, what it doesn't, and where the hidden stuff hides.
Free cheat sheet · US labels
Check three places, every time
- 1Ingredient list. The full story. Read every word, not just the bold line.
- 2"Contains" statement. Required for the 9 major allergens, but it's a summary. Some brands name allergens inside the list instead.
- 3Advisory warnings. "May contain," "shared facility." Voluntary, and worded however the company likes.
What the phrases actually mean
"Contains: milk"
Required
It's an ingredient. Avoid.
"May contain…"
Voluntary
Possible cross-contact. No standard for testing or wording.
"Made on shared equipment"
Voluntary
Same lines as the allergen. Real risk level unknown.
"Processed in a facility…"
Voluntary
Same building. Risk level unknown.
No warning at all
Not proof it's safe. Companies don't have to warn.
Ask your allergist how strict to be with advisory-labeled foods for your child.
The 9 major allergens
- *Crustacean shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster). Clams and oysters aren't on the required list.
- Sesame joined the list in 2023. Older stock may not show it.
- Since Jan 2025, only 12 tree nuts count. Coconut was removed, so it shows in the ingredient list but not "Contains."
- Milk and egg now include other animals too (goat milk, duck eggs).
Where the law ends
US allergen labeling law (FALCPA) covers packaged food. It does not cover:
- Restaurants
- Deli and bakery counters
- Bulk bins
- Food trucks
- Homemade treats at school and parties
The further food gets from a sealed, labeled package, the more questions you ask.
Names that hide allergens
US packages must name the allergen source. These matter most on imports, menus, recipes, and unlabeled food.
Milk: casein, caseinate, whey, lactalbumin, ghee, curds
Egg: albumin, lysozyme, globulin, meringue, ovalbumin
Wheat: semolina, durum, spelt, farina, einkorn, seitan
Soy: edamame, tofu, miso, tempeh, natto, shoyu
Peanut: arachis oil, groundnut, beer nuts, monkey nuts
Sesame: tahini, benne, gomasio, halvah, til
Tree nut: marzipan, praline, gianduja, nougat, pesto
Fish: anchovy (Worcestershire, Caesar), surimi
Shellfish: krill, scampi, langoustine, crayfish
Read it every time
Recipes change without warning. Last month's safe snack isn't a promise.
Watch for lookalikes
New packaging can make two versions look nearly identical. Read before it goes in the cart.
When in doubt, call
The manufacturer's number is on the package. Ask about shared lines and cleaning.