Should the Federal Government Require Allergen Food Labels on All Products?

EMSL Analytical provides food allergen and pathogen testing services to keep the public safe.

Cinnaminson, NJ

In 2004 Congress passed the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). It applies to all foods whose labeling is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), both domestic and imported. The FDA regulates the labeling of all foods, except for poultry, most meats, certain egg products, and most alcoholic beverages.

According to the FDA, “Each year, millions of Americans have allergic reactions to food. Although most food allergies cause relatively mild and minor symptoms, some food allergies can cause severe reactions, and may even be life-threatening. There is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance of food allergens — and early recognition and management of allergic reactions to food — are important measures to prevent serious health consequences.”

When people with food allergies come into contact with food products they are allergic to they can begin showing symptoms from within seconds to an hour after exposure. Reactions can range from minor to serious and include dermal, gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary responses.

One of the leading food testing companies providing allergen testing services in North America is EMSL Analytical, Inc. Their food testing laboratories provides food testing services to the general public, food processors, distributors and retailers.

EMSL Analytical can test food and environmental samples for the following allergens:

• Almond, Peanut, Hazelnut and Walnut Residue
• Total Milk
• Gliadin (Gluten)
• Beta-Lactoglobulin Residue (BLG)
• Buckwheat Protein Residue
• Casein Residue (major milk protein)
• Shellfish and Crustacean Tropomyosin Residue (shrimp allergen)
• Egg Residue
• Sesame Seed Protein Residue
• Soy Residue and Enhanced Soy Protein Residue

“Using highly sensitive and specific ELISA (Enzyme-Linked-Immuno-Sorbant-Assay) we can detect these residues down to part per million ranges,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President at EMSL Analytical. “Products need to be tested to protect the public.”

For more information on allergen or food testing testing services provided by EMSL please call (800) 220-3675, visit www.FoodTestingLab.com and www.EMSL.com or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of quality environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail