r/nottheonion • u/lambunctious • 4d ago

FDA warns top U.S. bakery not to claim foods contain allergens when they don't

https://www.npr.org/2024/06/26/g-s1-6238/fda-warns-bakery-foods-allergens
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79

u/username_elephant 4d ago

FDA officials acknowledged Tuesday that statements that a product “may contain” certain allergens “could be considered truthful and not misleading.” Bimbo officials have until July 8 to identify steps taken to remedy the issue — or to explain why the labeling doesn't violate FDA standards.

I understand both sides here. Penalties for failing to adequately warn consumers of allergens are really steep so companies are understandably cautious.  That's annoying for people with allergies who have fewer clear options.  FDA is trying to counteract that effect.

But ultimate I think I am with the companies on this one.  Regulations are important but if you make compliance really expensive it's reasonable for companies to provide fair warning rather than work really hard to eliminate risk of cross contamination.  Some company will make it easier for those with allergies and will adjust price to cover costs.  

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u/talrogsmash 4d ago

If I ran a commercial bakery every recipe would have: sesame, peanuts, soy, wheat, and strawberry extract.

Because not having those things in every recipe and having it labeled as containing it is just a 100 million dollar lawsuit waiting to happen.

No one can accept that accidents happen. Every time something gets cross contaminated it's because the evil, miserly business owner wanted to kill his customers and they must be punished and their business burned to the ground and the earth salted thereafter.

EDIT: I forgot tree nuts, so cashews will also be in the mix.

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u/jandeer14 4d ago

totally. i have celiac disease and i will suffer from trace amounts of gluten; it’s bullshit that there are manufacturers who WANT to put in the effort to make delicious snacks for me but they can’t afford the gluten free certification.

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u/citronauts 4d ago

My idea is to tax grocery stores and restaurants 1 penny for each allergen on any label. So if bread has wheat, soy, milk and now sesame, that would be a 4c tax on that loaf. The tax must be included in the price.

Is that a huge amount of $? No, but it’s probably more expensive then simply not doing the right thing

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u/username_elephant 3d ago

That's basically a tax on my (vegetarian) diet. Seems unfair to me.

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u/citronauts 3d ago

You are right! A better law would be 1c for every ingredient after 5