For years, the food allergy community has navigated a minefield of vague and inconsistent food labels. Despite progress under the 2006 Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), families still face life-threatening guessing games at the grocery store. This ambiguity is more than an inconvenience—it is a public health crisis that leads to preventable medical emergencies. We must act now to demand that the FDA close the loopholes that put millions of lives at risk every day.
The first major hurdle is the absence of a mandatory “Contains” statement. Currently, manufacturers can either provide a clear summary or bury allergens in a complex, fine-print ingredient list. This fragmentation forces consumers to scan every line for hidden triggers, increasing the likelihood of human error. We are calling on the FDA to mandate a single, prominent “Contains” statement for all Top 9 allergens, ensuring that critical safety information is visible at a glance.
Furthermore, the current system for precautionary labeling—such as “May Contain” or “Processed in a Facility”—is entirely voluntary and unregulated. This inconsistency creates a false sense of security; some brands warn about certain allergens but not others, while others offer no warning at all despite high cross-contact risks. A standardized “Top Allergens Processed in Facility” statement is essential to provide the transparency every allergic consumer deserves.
In addition to better warnings, we must address the “hidden” ingredients currently concealed behind broad terms like “spices,” “natural flavors,” or “additives.” These vague categories often mask common allergens, leaving a portion of our community vulnerable to inadvertent exposure. Every consumer has a fundamental right to know exactly what is in their food, and we demand that all ingredients be disclosed by their common names.
Our advocacy must also look toward the future. The current list of Top 9 allergens does not capture the full scope of clinically significant allergies in America. While other countries recognize up to 14 priority allergens, the US remains static. We need a dynamic, data-driven process that requires the FDA to review and update the major allergen list every three years, ensuring our regulations keep pace with the evolving landscape of food allergies.
This is where you come in. We cannot achieve these life-saving reforms alone. Petitions succeed only when they reach a critical mass that policymakers cannot ignore. We need every member of the food allergy community to sign this petition and lend their voice to this movement. By standing together, we can send a clear message to the FDA Commissioner that the time for “labeling ambiguity” is over.
Finally, we urge you to share this petition with your family, friends, and social networks using the buttons below. Most people are unaware of the dangerous loopholes that exist in our food safety system until it affects someone they love. By spreading the word, you aren’t just gathering signatures—you are educating the public and building a safer world for the 34 million Americans living with food allergies. Please, sign the petition today and help us drive this change home.
