Major Food Allergens “The Big 8” Responsibilities of the PIC Eight major foods account for 90 percent of Regarding allergens, the PIC must: all food allergies. They are: ▪ Be able to describe foods identified as ▪ Peanuts major food allergens. ▪ Tree nuts (such as almonds, pecans, ▪ Know the symptoms caused by the and walnuts) major food allergens. ▪ Crustacean shellfish (such as crab, ▪ Ensure employees are trained in food lobster, and shrimp) safety, including food allergy ▪ Fish (such as salmon, tuna, and halibut) awareness. ▪ Eggs ▪ Milk ▪ Soy Allergen labeling ▪ Wheat Allergen labeling is required for packaged These eight foods, and any ingredient that food products that contain any of the eight contains protein derived from one or more major food allergens. of them, are designated as “major food The label must identify by name any major allergens.” Examples of some food products food allergens in the product as part of the that may allergens as ingredients include: ingredient list. The list must also include ▪ Candy protein derived from a major food allergen. ▪ Glazes Use one of the following labeling options: ▪ Sauces ▪ Meat substitutes 1. List the common or usual name of the food source, followed by the name of the allergen in parentheses. Symptoms Example: flour (wheat), whey (milk). Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: OR ▪ Stomachache 2. After the ingredient list, place the ▪ Vomiting word ‘Contains’ followed by the ▪ Hives food allergen. Example: Contains: ▪ Difficulty breathing wheat, milk. ▪ Swelling ▪ Blood pressure drop For tree nuts, declare the specific type of ▪ Shock nut. Examples: Contains: almonds, coconuts, pecans. These symptoms can occur right away or up to several hours after exposure to an For fish or crustacean shellfish, declare the allergen. species. Examples: Contains: walleye, shrimp, and lobster. MAJOR FOOD ALLERGENS Resources Minnesota Department of Health Food Business Safety (www.health.state.mn.us/foodbizsafety) Minnesota Department of Health Food, Pools, and Lodging Services PO Box 64975 St. Paul, MN 55164-0975 651-201-4500 [email protected] www.health.state.mn.us Minnesota Department of Agriculture Food and Feed Safety Division 625 Robert Street N St. Paul, MN 55155-2538 651-201-6027 [email protected] www.mda.state.mn.us JANUARY 2019 To obtain this information in a different format, call: 651-201-4500 or 651-201-6000. Printed on recycled paper. 2 .