The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that the FDA is considering changing food labeling for products that may contain allergens such as nuts, wheat, and others. Advocates say that there are just too many ways to say that your favorite candy bar was made in a factory containing nuts or that some products contain eggs or wheat.
How the FDA will propose to make consumers aware of food allergens on packaging remains unclear. It just doesn’t seem like words will do it. I’d like to register my recommendations. How about a “no nut zone” symbol to let those with allergies know the foods are safe to eat? Or replacing the skull and crossbones from the poison symbol with the skull and wheat stalks?
In all seriousness, visual images work better for communicating messages of danger or warning. This could be particularly effective especially for teenagers who are the most likely to suffer fatal food allergies according to the Post. Consistency of language is also important as the advocates suggest–but perhaps the FDA should consider compelling visual images to warn us about what is in our food. But perhaps stronger language to warn those who suffer from allergies is in order: Beware! Warning! Eggs lurk within!
Let’s not leave it to those who suffer from serious allergies like that of nuts or eggs to read the fine print. Clear images and strong, universal language ought to do a better job of protecting those vulnerable to food allergens.
Summer Johnson, PhD