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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
This statement is used by food manufacturers to comply with labeling regulations and protect …
What it is
This is not an ingredient but a statement used on food labels. It indicates that a food product may have come into contact with a specific ingredient or allergen during manufacturing, even if that ingredient is not intentionally added to the product. This is done to inform consumers with allergies.
Why it's used
This statement is used by food manufacturers to comply with labeling regulations and protect consumers with food allergies. It is typically found on packaged foods where cross-contact with allergens is possible, such as in facilities that process multiple types of foods.
Health notes
The 'May Contain' statement itself does not have direct health implications, as it refers to potential trace amounts of ingredients or allergens. The FDA requires this type of precautionary labeling to help consumers avoid allergens they are sensitive to. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA focus on ensuring that intentionally added ingredients are safe for consumption. There are no specific health concerns associated with the presence of this statement on a label.
Allergen info
This statement is directly related to allergens. If the 'may contain' ingredient is one of the nine major allergens (milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame), then the product is considered to potentially contain that allergen. Gluten is also a concern for individuals with celiac disease.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.