FDA Allergen Labeling: the 9 Major Food Allergens
U.S. law defines 9 major food allergens: milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame (21 USC 321(qq), sesame added by the FASTER Act). Each must be declared either in a "Contains" statement after the ingredients or in the ingredient list, naming the specific fish, shellfish or tree nut (21 USC 343(w)).
How to declare
- "Contains: milk, wheat, sesame" immediately after or next to the ingredient list, or
- In the ingredient list, e.g. "whey (milk)", "tahini (sesame)"
- Name the species for fish and shellfish and the type of tree nut (e.g. "almond")
Common misses
- Sesame hidden in "spices" or tahini
- Milk derivatives such as casein and whey
- Wheat in soy sauce
Related: FDA renewal deadline calendar · Do I need a U.S. Agent? · US Agent Desk pricing
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.