Got allergies? Don’t ignore food labels!

Reading labels at the supermarket could mean the difference between you or your child having an allergic reaction—or not. About 12 million Americans are allergic to at least one type of food or ingredient, but many disregard label warnings. That’s according to a study conducted by the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Known as “advisory labeling,” these voluntary warnings are not required of manufacturers and are not regulated. Some labels say the product could contain an allergen (a substance that prompts an allergic reaction in vulnerable people). Others state that the product was manufactured on shared equipment with, or made at the same facility with, an allergen. Wording seems to make a difference. While 88% of consumers heeded the warning “may contain” an allergen, only 65% percent heeded “made in a facility that uses” an allergen. Even a small amount of an allergen could cause a serious reaction, so be sure to bring your reading glasses to the supermarket and budget time to check those labels!