Food labels
How to Read Food Labels for Allergens
Build a repeatable label-reading routine that starts with the exact package and ends with a clear next step.
Read the guide →3 guides
Food allergy label basics
How U.S. food labels declare major allergens, what Contains and advisory statements mean, and a routine for reading any package.
Every allergy check starts with the package. In the United States, packaged foods regulated by the FDA must declare the major food allergens either inside the ingredient list or in a separate Contains statement. Advisory wording such as "may contain" is voluntary and is not defined by the same rules.
These guides explain the parts of a label that matter for allergies, the difference between an allergy and an intolerance, and a repeatable routine you can use on any product before you rely on it.
Food allergy basics
Food Intolerance vs Food Allergy
Learn the difference between food intolerance and food allergy, with label examples for milk, lactose, wheat, and gluten.
Read guide →
Shellfish
Shellfish Allergy Label Guide
Learn how a shellfish allergy label works in the U.S., including crustacean shellfish, mollusks, hidden sources, and unclear labels.
Read guide →
Make food checks easier
Check any ingredient label against your allergy profile with Food Checker, then confirm the details on the package.