Positive News - Plain- language food labels to come in 2006

New Food Label Law Eagerly Awaited

New "plain language" food labeling requirements in the United States, which take effect less than a year from now, will reduce allergic reactions in people who have potentially life-threatening food allergies.

The new law, which will take effect in January 2006, will require manufacturers to use plain, common language on the presence of any of the eight major food allergens (milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy). Companies will also be required to indicate any major food allergens used in spices, flavorings, additives and colorings, categories which had previously been exempt.

Currently, consumers are often confused by complicated language masking simple ideas, for example "casein" instead of "milk."