On April 5, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) issued a press release warning consumers not to eat certain crackers because of the potential dangers for those with milk or nut allergies. TWI Foods Inc., the crackers’ manufacturer (called “Rusk” brand Crispy crackers), initiated a voluntary recall of its crackers and toast, because of the undeclared allergens in product labeling.
Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 and FDA regulations, manufacturers and/or distributers of finished food products are required to declare the presence of major food allergens in labeling. “Major food allergens” include the following: milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts and soybeans. According to the FDA, TWI Foods did not properly label the affected products in that they contain milk and/or almonds but the presence of these ingredients are not clearly stated on the labels. More information about food allergen labeling may be found here.
Compliance with the laws and regulations pertaining to labeling is critical to ensure the seamless distribution of all FDA-regulated products. For more information about labeling requirements, please contact us at Contact@Giannamore-Law.com.