Congress requires understandable labeling for allergens

CAPITOL HILL (AP) _ Congress has approved legislation that will require food labels to say in clear, simple language whether the product contains any allergens. <br/><br/>The measure -- which has been

Wednesday, July 21st 2004, 10:12 am

By: News On 6

CAPITOL HILL (AP) _ Congress has approved legislation that will require food labels to say in clear, simple language whether the product contains any allergens.

The measure -- which has been sent on to President Bush -- is designed to help protect the eleven (m) million people who are allergic to certain foods.

House sponsor Nita Lowey of New York says ingredients people don't know about contribute to 200 deaths a year and sicken about 30-thousand people.

The National Food Processors Association says the industry already has voluntary guidelines and welcomes the new law.

The new law will require that the label on a product containing whey, for example, will have to spell out that whey equals milk.

The eight main food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.