Food Allergy Safety Allergen Labeling & Ingredient Disclosure

Question 1

How many major food allergens are currently recognized by the FDA under US federal law?

Accepted Answer

9

Answer

7

Answer

8

Answer

11

Question 2

Which law originally established mandatory allergen labeling requirements for packaged foods sold in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)

Answer

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

Answer

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act)

Answer

The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA)

Question 3

Which of the following is the most recently added major food allergen recognized by the FDA?

Accepted Answer

Sesame

Answer

Wheat

Answer

Tree nuts

Answer

Shellfish

Question 4

Under FALCPA, a 'Contains' statement on a food label must include which of the following?

Accepted Answer

All major allergens present in the food, including those from flavorings and colorings

Answer

Only allergens present in amounts above 10 mg per serving

Answer

Only allergens added directly as primary ingredients

Answer

Allergens that may have been introduced through cross-contact during manufacturing

Question 5

When 'spices' are listed on a food label and one of those spices is derived from a major allergen, what must the manufacturer do?

Accepted Answer

Declare the allergen source even when using the collective term 'spices'

Answer

List 'spices' without further specification, as spices are fully exempt

Answer

Only disclose if the spice accounts for more than 5% of the product

Answer

Add a separate advisory statement on the front of the package

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a 'hidden allergen' that could mislead consumers reading a food label?

Accepted Answer

'Casein' listed without indicating it is derived from milk

Answer

'Peanuts' listed plainly in the ingredient list

Answer

'Contains: Milk' printed after the ingredient list

Answer

'Egg' printed in bold type within the ingredient list

Question 7

Precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) statements such as 'May contain traces of peanuts' are best described as:

Accepted Answer

Voluntary statements not specifically regulated by FDA

Answer

Required by FDA on all products made in shared facilities

Answer

Required only when cross-contact has been confirmed through laboratory testing

Answer

Prohibited by FDA because they are considered misleading