For FDA-regulated packaged foods in the United States, read the full ingredient list every time and look for major allergen sources listed in an ingredient or a Contains statement. A Contains statement is not on every product, and advisory phrases such as may contain are voluntary. The absence of an advisory phrase does not confirm that cross-contact is impossible. If label information is unclear for a known allergy, contact the manufacturer or choose a different product.
For FDA-regulated packaged foods sold in the United States, check the full ingredient list every time and look for major allergen sources in the ingredients or a Contains statement. Do not use the absence of a may-contain warning as proof that cross-contact is impossible.
Read the ingredient list first
U.S. labeling rules identify nine major food allergens: milk, egg, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans and sesame. FDA says the source of a major allergen must be identified in the ingredient list or, when applicable, in a Contains statement near the ingredients. Ingredient names can differ, so read the full list rather than scanning only for a familiar short name.
A Contains statement, when used, must list the major allergens present as ingredients. It may not be a separate line on every package. FDA advises consumers to check the complete ingredient information each time they buy a product because ingredients can change.
Understand advisory phrases
Phrases such as may contain or made in a facility that also uses are voluntary advisory statements. FDA says manufacturers do not all use them. A warning can help identify a possible cross-contact concern, but the absence of one does not establish that a food was made without cross-contact. These statements are separate from the ingredient and Contains information required for major allergens used as ingredients.
If you have a known food allergy and a package is unclear, use the FDA’s suggestion to contact the manufacturer or distributor listed on the package before choosing the product. Avoid relying on a previous purchase because formulas and manufacturing can change.
Check where the food is sold
This guide covers FDA-regulated packaged foods in the United States. Rules for unpackaged bakery items, food-service meals and products regulated by other agencies can differ. FDA notes that allergen information for unpackaged foods may vary; ask the store or food provider about the ingredients and handling process. For a known allergy, do not assume that a verbal or online summary replaces the information for the exact food being served.
Our nutrition label guide explains serving size, ingredients and nutrients. If you are selecting a snack box, see our snack box buying guide, which covers cross-contact and assortment details. Browse the snacks category for more label guidance.
Official references
Common questions
Does every food label have a Contains statement?
No. FDA says a Contains statement is not required when the allergen source is already identified in an ingredient name, and not all allergen-containing products have a separate statement. Read the full ingredient list.
Does no may-contain warning mean a food is free from cross-contact?
No. FDA says advisory statements such as may contain are voluntary and are not used by every manufacturer. Their absence does not confirm that cross-contact cannot occur.
Are allergen labeling rules the same for unpackaged foods?
Not always. FDA notes that requirements for foods that are not packaged can vary. Ask the store or food provider about its allergen information and handling practices.