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The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act<\/a> classified 9 major food allergens that fall under the remit of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). However, the EU currently recognises up to 14<\/em> major allergens. It is a legal requirement that food businesses must provide allergen information in any food they sell or provide, making it easier for people with food allergies (and even those with food intolerances) to identify the ingredients and trigger foods that they need to avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n The EU lists 14 major allergens that should be legally mentioned when they are used as ingredients – both packaged and loose. These are as follows (we have emboldened the headings for the allergens that also number within the US’s 9 allergen list):<\/span><\/p>\n The amount of food allergens declared on pre-packaged food is not universally standardised. As we’ve said, the UK and Europe classify 14 major food allergens. <\/span>On the other hand, America only<\/span> classifies 9. The Food Allergens Labelling and Consumer Protection Acts (FALCPA), introduced in 2006, applies to:<\/span><\/p>\n This means that molluscs (shellfish such as oysters, clams, and mussels), sesame, mustard and celery, are not required to be labelled under FALCPA.<\/span><\/p>\n More confusingly, Australia and New Zealand identify 10 food allergens, Japan identify 7 core allergens and Canada identify 11, which must be identified in English and French.<\/span><\/p>\n Prepare yourself by checking the food labelling laws <\/span>in the country you\u2019re visiting<\/span> before you fly to see if they classify your trigger food as a major allergen. <\/span>There are many guides for travelling with food allergies that summarise the laws in major tourist destinations<\/span>. <\/span>For instance, sesame may be considered a major allergen in your destination country but not your home country. Be extra vigilant about reading labels and watch out for hidden ingredients!<\/span><\/p>\n Remember to always check where the <\/span>best and worst places are to travel if you suffer from a food intolerance<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n If you experience any serious or life-threatening reactions, it\u2019s always important to seek advice from your GP or medical practitioner.<\/span><\/p>\n Food intolerances, although not life-threatening like severe allergies, can be difficult to pinpoint as they can take up to several days to show symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat are the 14 listed allergens?<\/h2>\n
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Allergens across the globe<\/h2>\n
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Are you travelling abroad with a food allergy or food intolerance?<\/h3>\n
Are you struggling to identify your food allergy or food intolerance?<\/h2>\n