Helpful links and information on Peanut Allergies

What is cross-contact?

In the context of food allergens, "cross-contact" occurs when a residue or trace amount of an allergenic food becomes incorporated into another food not intended to contain it. Because of cross-contact, manufacturers may voluntarily place an advisory or precautionary allergen labeling, statement on food products to notify consumers about the possible presence of food allergen(s). FDA guidance for the food industry states that food allergen advisory statements, e.g., "may contain [allergen]", "produced in a facility that also uses [allergen]", etc. should not be used as a substitute for adhering to current good manufacturing practices and must be truthful and not misleading. FDA is considering ways to best manage the use of these types of statements by manufacturers to better inform consumers.