Food allergens in packaged products continue to pose serious risks to millions of Americans. Mislabeling and undeclared ingredients trigger frequent recalls — and in the worst cases, devastating health consequences.

This week, we explore the growing prevalence of food allergies, their dangers, what’s driving the recall epidemic, and frustrations shared by our readers in a recent poll.

The scope of food allergies

Food allergies are increasingly common in the U.S. According to the CDC, in 2021:

• 5.8% of children (0–17) had a diagnosed food allergy
  

• 6.2% of adults had one as well

A 2019 JAMA Network Open study estimated the actual number may be higher, with up to 10.8% of U.S. adults self-reporting food allergies. Among children, roughly 40% have multiple allergies, making mealtimes especially challenging.

The rise is striking. FoodAllergy.org reports:

• A 50% increase in childhood food allergy prevalence between 1997 and 2011
  

• Another 50% increase between 2007 and 2021

The most common food allergies in children fall within the “Big 9” allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish (including crustaceans like shrimp, lobster, and crab). Among these, peanuts (2.2%), milk (1.9%), shellfish (1.3%), and tree nuts (1.2%) are the most prevalent in children, according to recent data. These allergies are typically triggered by specific proteins in the foods, such as cow’s milk protein, egg white proteins, and peanut proteins. While the Big 9 account for the majority of allergic reactions, other less common allergens include sesame, mustard, and certain fruits and vegetables.

From mild to fatal: The dangers of food allergies

Allergic reactions can range from mild (hives, itching) to life-threatening anaphylaxis, which can cause throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Immediate treatment with epinephrine is critical.

While fatalities are rare — estimated at 0.03 to 0.3 deaths per million person-years — their impact is profound. Recent tragedies include:

• Margaret Jean “Peggy” Bryant, 78, died in April 2023 after eating a peanut-containing cookie mislabeled as oatmeal raisin. Her family is suing Safeway and Albertsons for $9.5 million, citing gross negligence.

• Órla Ruth Baxendale, 25, died in January 2024 after consuming a mislabeled cookie from Stew Leonard’s that didn’t list peanuts. The case spurred an FDA warning and a wrongful death lawsuit.

Recalls: Why allergens keep slipping through

Undeclared allergens are the top reason for Class I food recalls in the U.S. — the most serious type.

Common causes:

• Labeling errors: Missing allergens in ingredient lists
  

• Cross-contamination: Inadequate equipment cleaning between production runs
  

• Supply chain issues: Inaccurate information from suppliers
  

• Human error: Misapplied labels or packaging mix-ups
  

A UK study (2016–2021) found that:

• Milk was the most commonly recalled allergen
  

• 40% of recalls involved omitted priority allergens
  

  🔗 Read study

In the U.S., USDA FSIS frequently recalls items for undeclared allergens like wheat, shellfish, peanuts, and sesame.

🔗 Recent example → 64,008 pounds of pork buns recalled for undeclared sesame

These cases reflect broader breakdowns in manufacturing, supply chains, and regulatory compliance.

Poll results: What readers are saying

We asked: “What’s the biggest challenge you face with food allergens in packaged products?”

Top responses:

• 🤔 Confusing “may contain” warnings (30%)
  “Labels say ‘may contain nuts’ — but which ones? It’s not clear.”
  

• 😕 Unclear or missing allergen labels (21%)
  “I’m allergic to certain vegetables that aren’t on the ‘big 9’ list. I have to stay vigilant.”
  

• 😤 Lack of trust in manufacturers (36%)
  “Feels like companies cut corners and put lives at risk.”
  

• 🛒 Difficulty finding safe products (13%)
  “Shopping takes forever. I have to check every label — and still worry.”

Reader-suggested solutions:

• Replace vague “may contain” with specific allergen details

• Increase transparency in manufacturing to reduce cross-contact

• Improve online labeling on platforms like Amazon

Toward a safer food system

Tackling these challenges will take industry-wide commitment:

• Stronger regulations: Enforce and expand labeling rules, including sesame and emerging allergens

• Better manufacturing practices: More rigorous cleaning and allergen controls

• Transparent supply chains: Accurate ingredient reporting from suppliers

• Consumer education: Help shoppers understand labels and know their rights

The heartbreaking deaths of Peggy Bryant and Órla Baxendale are powerful reminders of what’s at stake.

What’s your take?

How do you navigate food allergens in packaged products?
Share your tips, experiences, or concerns — we’d love to hear from you.

(Keep it respectful; personal attacks or ads will be removed.)

Wishing you a safe and restful Memorial Day Weekend,

Jonan Pilet,

Newsletter Editor

Weekend Poll

Past Week’s Recalls

U.S.-Based Recalls:

• E. coli illness link prompts raw milk recall

• Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods recalls Marinated Cucumber Salad because of Salmonella risk

• Yummi Sushi products sold at Kroger stores in Florida recalled for Salmonella risk

• Made-to-order subs, wraps and paninis recalled in Massachusetts and Connecticut because of Salmonella risk

• More cucumbers from Bedner Growers recalled because of link to Salmonella outbreak

• California firm recalls imported oysters because of possible contamination with norovirus

• Snack Mania Brazilian Delights Corp. recalls ready-to-eat chicken coxinhas products produced without benefit of inspection

• Madeline’s Pâtisserie recalls croissants and croissant buns for undeclared wheat

• Bourgeois Smokehouse recalls Smoked Andouille Sausage products after testing finds Listeria contamination

• Kasundi Peeled Mango Pickle recalled over elevated lead levels

• Bengal King Family Pack Vegetable Singara recalled because of undeclared peanuts

• Fijian Import & Export Co. Inc. recalls meat pie products for lack of import reinspection

• Bedner cucumbers are back, making people sick once again

Canada-Based Recalls:

• Tahini recalled in Canada because testing showed Salmonella contamination

• More recalls…

Don’t forget…

Do you know someone who would like this newsletter? Share it with them.

Interested in reaching food safety-conscious readers like you? To become a Food Safety News partner, apply here.