ABSTRACT
In the past it was very difficult for consumers to know if there were hidden food allergens in manufactured foods. To help consumers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spent years working with food manufacturers, food allergy associations, and advocates to develop a law that would help identify the major food allergens in processed foods. This work created the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act. In this chapter we will review the provisions of the act, consumer advisory statements that have caused significant confusion and concern for the food allergic consumer and chefs alike, how manufacturing practices have changed leading up to the act, and how the act has affected changes to the Food Code and state regulations.
