The 2022 FDA Food Code recognizes nine major food allergens that account for approximately 90% of serious allergic reactions in the United States. The list of major food allergens includes:
- Milk.
- Eggs.
- Fish (such as bass, flounder, cod, salmon, tuna, or halibut).
- Crustacean shellfish (such as crab, lobster, or shrimp).
- Tree nuts (such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, or pistachios).
- Wheat.
- Peanuts.
- Soybeans
- Sesame (added in the 2022 edition as the ninth major allergen)
These aren’t just dietary preferences. They can trigger anaphylactic shock or even death. As a manager, it is your job to ensure proper labeling and train your team to spot the symptoms instantly. Stay safe, and stay compliant.