On July 19, 2024, the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that it will implement a new allergen verification sampling program for businesses that produce ready-to-eat foods on August 1, 2024, and that the labels of relevant ready-to-eat foods should state that they are free of at least one of 14 food allergens (e.g., "peanut-free").

Allergens covered by the new plan include soy, crustacean shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp), eggs, peanuts, milk, and nine tree nuts (including almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, coconuts, hazelnuts, macadamias, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts).

In addition, FSIS will test for gluten, which can cause severe reactions in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. FSIS also plans to conduct a sampling analysis of sesame seeds. The purpose of the FSIS program is to verify the food industry's compliance with labeling regulations.

The program aims to ensure the accuracy of allergen claims in ready-to-eat foods, thereby increasing consumer safety. FSIS will issue a directive next week directing FSIS inspectors to collect samples at eligible establishments.

Learn more: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/news-press-releases/constituent-update-july-19-2024