Investigation and analysis of allergen labeling in prepackaged food in China

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of allergen labeling in prepackaged food products in China.MethodsA total of 986 prepackaged foods in 18 categories were from 26 provinces （autonomous regions， centrally administered municipalities） randomly selected from the nationwide market. The labeling type and accuracy were analyzed by collecting allergen labeling information and detecting allergens using ELISA.ResultsThe overall allergen labeling rate was 44.7% （441/986）. Except for eight types of allergens， sesame had the highest prevalence （20.6%； 91/441）. Primary allergens were present in 61.9% （273/441） of samples. Most allergens were labeled below the ingredient list （76.4%， 337/441） and almost all allergens were not highlighted （93.4%， 412/441）. Approximately 80.3% （290/361） of surveyed samples accurately used “milk” allergen labeling， with 13.0% （47/361） of surveyed samples containing hidden allergens. Moreover， 6.6% （24/361） of surveyed samples showed allergen over-labeling.ConclusionThe overall labeling of allergens in prepackaged food in China met the standard requirements. However， certain risks of hidden allergens and low accuracy of precautionary labeling were observed in certain products.

Keywords

• allergen
• prepackaged food
• food labeling