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Taking a Closer Look at What Ingredient Labels Tell Us

Writer's picture: Topanga ScherfTopanga Scherf

Updated: Sep 26, 2024




As someone living with food allergies I’ve been reading ingredient labels for as long as I can remember. About a year ago I started learning more about what different labeling phrases mean thanks to Food Allergy Research and Education. By learning how to read ingredient labels you can help save a life!





“Made in a dedicated nut free facility”

This means there is no potential for cross contamination as there are no peanuts or tree nuts in the building. A lot of these companies with these policies in place usually have a personal connection to allergies which motivates them to be so inclusive. There facilities typically place their own rules and policies on workers to help keep the facility nut free. Some will go as far to not allow employees to even eat peanuts on their lunch breaks.

“Nut Free”

This means the product does not contain nuts, however it’s important to still read the entire label and look to see if the product was made in a facility that processes nuts. It’s never a bad idea to call the company and try to get clarification on the manufacturing process and if there are peanuts in the facility. If you can, get written clarification! This might be necessary for someone with very serve food allergies.

“May Contain”

This label will list the potential major allergen exposures. This label is meant to address any possible cross contamination that could have occurred. Typically manufactures are cleaning in between the different products but the may contain is listed as a precaution to this with severe allergies.

“Made on Share Equipment with Food Containing Peanuts/Tree Nuts”

This label lets the consumer know that the food definitely shares the same equipment as the allergen as opposed to “may contain” where the food may or may not have traces of the allergen. Sometimes this label will say “Made on Equipment that Processes Peanuts” or “Made or shared Equipment with Peanuts” instead but they all mean pretty much the same thing so take extra precaution!

“Omits Nuts Ingredient but Doesn’t Say “Nut-Free”

The FDA doesn’t regulate that allergies outside of the Top 9 allergens have to be in a warning section of a food label. So if you have an allergy outside of the Top 9 it’s important you read the full ingredient list every time.

“School Safe”

This label typically indicated that a product is free from the Top 9 allergens and is safe to take to school for kids. These products will usually also advertise that they are made in a dedicated peanut/tree nut facility.



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