On February 15, 2013, the DeCoty Coffee Company of San Angelo, Texas announced that it was recalling its 1.25 pound and 5.75 pound DeCoty Taco Seasoning products. Prompting this recall are labeling concerns, specifically that the products contain an undeclared ingredient, soy, and people who have allergies or sensitivity to soy may run the risk of a serious allergic or life threatening reaction if they consume this product. As of this date, no illnesses have been reported due to ingesting this product. More information about the recall may be accessed here.
In 2004, Congress passed the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) to help Americans avoid health risks posed by allergens. This law applies to all foods whose labeling is FDA-regulated, and it includes all domestically-produced and imported foods, including dietary supplements. Under FALCPA, any food product that contains a major food allergen or a protein derived from a major food allergen must declare the presence of such ingredient on the product’s label. Further, the eight major food allergens are defined under FALCPA as: (1) milk; (2) egg; (3) fish; (4) crustacean shellfish; (5) tree nuts; (6) wheat; (7) peanuts, and (8) soybeans. More information about FALCPA and FDA’s regulation of major food allergens in labeling may be accessed here.
If you have additional questions about food allergen labeling requirements or how you can maintain compliance with FDA labeling regulations, please contact us at contact@sglawfl.com.