Senate Committee Passes Food Allergen Labeling Bill

Clearer labeling could save lives.

In late November, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee passed a bill that would require clearer allergen labeling on food products. If it passes final approval, the bill would require foods manufacturers to use words such as “milk” and “wheat” vs. “casein” and “semolina” on ingredients lists, according to a Nov. 26 article at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) website. The bill also would eliminate a “loophole” that allows allergens in spices and flavorings to remain off of labels, according to CSPI.

“When a food allergic or celiac consumer bites into a pre-packaged food item, they are literally trusting the manufacturer with their life,” states Scott Mandell, president of foods manufacturer Enjoy Life, in a Nov. 25 announcement. Enjoy Life makes ready-to-eat products that are free of the eight most common allergens: wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.