What does it mean if a product is Labelled with the wording may contain nuts?
The label simply means that while the labelled product isn’t supposed to contain the allergen, the manufacturer can’t be sure it doesn’t. They can’t be sure there hasn’t been cross-contamination during preparation. Foods with this label might not contain any allergens at all, but there is also a chance they do.
Why do packages say may contain peanuts?
If there is a possibility that a food may contain traces of an allergenic food, not as an intentional ingredient, but as a result of cross-contamination through, for example, shared manufacturing equipment, this risk is often indicated by a precautionary ‘may contain’ type label (e.g. ‘may contain traces of peanut’).
What foods contain hidden traces of peanuts?
Peanuts
- chocolate/candy bars-barbecue sauces.
- Asian-style dipping sauces (particularly Szechuan)
- curry sauces.
- egg rolls, spring rolls.
- trail mixes.
- Ice cream (peanut butter flavor or “Reese’s” ice cream)
- Certain body-care products and makeups use peanut derivatives or peanut oil.
- dog food or biscuits.
Is may contain a legal requirement?
There is no specific legal requirement to label food with ‘may contain’. However, food must be safe to eat and information to help people with allergies make safe choices, and manage their condition effectively, must be provided. Manufacturers may also choose to mark products as ‘Not suitable for’.
How do you declare allergens in packaging?
The allergen’s food source must be declared at least once on the food label in one of two ways. The name of the food source of a major food allergen must appear: In parentheses following the name of the ingredient. Immediately after or next to the list of ingredients in a “contains” statement.
Do peanuts need to be listed in clear language even if it is found in a product as natural flavor?
Foods covered by the FDA labeling laws that contain peanuts must be labeled in plain English to declare that it “contains peanuts.” However, there are many foods and products that are not covered by FDA allergen labeling laws, so it is still important to know how to read a label for peanut ingredients.
Does peanut oil have to be listed as an allergen?
In fact, the FDA specifically exempts highly refined oils (including peanut) from the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act 1 – which means highly refined peanut oil does not have to be labeled as an allergen.
What should say you do if a customer asks you if a food contains nuts and you are unsure?
If you are unsure of the customer’s question, say so. Never guess…a wrong response could lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction. Write the customer’s request clearly on the order docket and also talk to the kitchen staff about it.
Can peanuts be found in soups stocks and pesto?
This ingredient can also be found in breads, curries, marinades, meat products, salad dressings, sauces and soups. Not to be mistaken with peanuts (which are actually a legume and grow underground), this ingredient refers to nuts which grow on trees, like cashew nuts, almonds and hazelnuts.
Is Kitkat peanut free?
At Nestlé Canada, we are committed to providing our very best chocolate bars – KIT KAT, COFFEE CRISP, AERO and SMARTIES – in treat size formats that are made in a Peanut Free Facility. Our ‘Peanut Free’ seal, on the front of all Nestlé Snack Size Formats, identifies that they were produced in a Peanut Free Facility.
How do you know if something is made in a nut free facility?
Some companies put statements on their labels to alert customers to the risk of cross-contamination — messages like: “May contain peanuts,” “Processed in a facility that also processes nuts,” or “Manufactured on equipment also used for shellfish.” You’ll want to avoid products that have these kinds of alerts about …
Does Indian curry paste contain nuts?
If you’ve had a creamy curry or a sweet curry, then there is a good chance that somewhere along the way, it has had some form of ground nuts added to it. The most popular choices are almond flour and coconut flour. Occasionally you will also see cashew paste feature too.
How do you identify peanuts in food?
The Nima portable food sensor is a device designed for consumer use. It tests for the presence of peanut and gluten in foods. This device only tests a small piece of food at a time, so it doesn’t necessarily assess a larger amount such as a full serving of food and so would not be able to thoroughly assess solid foods.