Food Labeling: Allergy Information

Porter, Donna V.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: Food;    Food allergies;    Food labeling;    Medicine;   

RP-ID  :  RS20975
RP-ID  :  RS20975_2005Sep19

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Media attention to food allergies is the result of the recent tracking of food allergysufferers and a clear rise in the number of affected individuals. Several efforts areunderway to improve the ability of individuals who have a food allergy to avoidproducts that cause symptoms that can range from mild to serious. The Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) and the Food Allergy Issues Alliance each have releasedguidelines to address the issues of labeling and cross-contamination. Nine stateattorneys general have petitioned FDA for stricter rules, which are also supported bysome consumer groups. The FY2002 agriculture appropriations bill directed FDA toaddress and report on cross-contamination; however, this report had not yet beensubmitted. Most recently, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of2004 (P.L. 108-282) was enacted on August 2, 2004. This report will providebackground on food allergies and review efforts to provide improved labelinginformation for food allergy sufferers; it will be updated to reflect legislative or otheractivity.