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

The FDA recognizes 9 major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame (added in 2023).

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

FALCPA, enacted in 2004, established the requirement that the eight major food allergens (at the time) be declared on packaged food labels.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Sesame

Answer

Sesame was designated as the 9th major food allergen under the FASTER Act, signed in 2021, with labeling compliance required starting January 1, 2023.

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

A 'Contains' statement must list all major food allergens present in the product, including those derived from flavorings, colorings, and incidental additives.

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

Even when ingredients are listed using collective terms like 'spices,' if a major allergen is present, its source must be disclosed per FALCPA requirements.

Food Allergy Safety Practice Test

Food Allergy Safety Practice Test

Food Allergy Safety Allergen Labeling & Ingredient Disclosure