USA – New food labelling legislation that will ensure all allergens in foods are disclosed and that they are understandable to the consumer are likely to be introduced in 2006.

The laws have passed through the House of Representatives and only require the President’s signature, and it is hoped they will be a big step towards providing clear, consistent and reliable ingredient label information.

The legislation would require that food manufacturers identify in plain, common language, the presence of any of the eight major food allergens (milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy).