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The FDA Clarifies “Free From” Package Labeling

The FDA clarifies “free from” package labeling

If you've ever stood in the grocery aisle squinting at a label that says "Free From" on the front and "May Contain" on the back—you're not alone. It's confusing. It's frustrating. And for people living with life-threatening allergies, it's downright scary.

Luckily, there's a big (and very welcome!) change in the world of food labeling, especially for families managing food allergies. In early January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released updated guidance to clarify how and when companies can use the claim "Free From" on their packaging.

The New FDA Ruling on "Free From"

So, what does "Free From" actually now mean?

According to the FDA, a product can only use the claim "Free From [allergen]" if it meets both of these criteria:

  • It does not contain the allergen as a direct or indirect ingredient
  • There is no risk of cross-contact with the allergen during manufacturing

In other words, you should never see "Free From Dairy" on the front and "May Contain Milk" in the fine print on the back anymore.

This new standard helps eliminate the gray area that has caused so much confusion and risk for allergy-conscious shoppers. It also supports validated allergen-free claims and encourages brands to pursue third-party certifications like the Certified Free From™ (CFF) seal to prove their commitment to safety.

Why This Ruling Matters

For the millions of Americans managing food allergies—especially families with young children—this update is important for a number of reasons:

  • It sets clear standards that manufacturers must follow.
  • It ensures "Free From" actually means what it says.
  • It builds consumer trust in allergen labeling.
  • It reduces the risk of accidental exposure due to misleading packaging.
  • It encourages more brands to pursue third-party verification and testing.
  • It could help prevent costly recalls and potential lawsuits.
  • It brings peace of mind to shoppers who rely on accurate information.

How to Keep You & Your Family Safe From Allergens

Even with clearer labeling, it's still important to stay vigilant when it comes to keeping yourself and your family safe from allergens. Here are some practical tips to keep allergens off your plate and out of your home:

  1. Read labels every time: Ingredients and processes can change without notice.
  2. Look for certification seals: An important certification indicator is the Certified Free From™ seal by MenuTrinfo®.
  3. Avoid bulk bins and self-serve stations: Cross-contact risk is high in these areas.
  4. Call ahead when eating out: Speak with managers or chefs about your allergy needs.
  5. Carry your medications: Always have an EpiPen or antihistamine on hand, just in case.
  6. Keep allergen-free zones in your home: This is especially important in shared kitchens or households.
  7. Teach your kids what to avoid: Empower them with knowledge in an age-appropriate way.
  8. Double-check baked goods and sauces: These are common culprits for hidden allergens.
  9. Don't rely on "natural" or "organic" alone: Those labels don't mean "allergen-free".
  10. Trust your gut: If a label feels unclear, skip it. Safety first, always!

Get Baked Goods Free From the 9 Major Allergens

At The Difference Baker, we believe that safety should never mean sacrificing taste. That's why all of our baked goods are Certified Free From the top 9 allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. We're committed to creating delicious treats that everyone can enjoy—without the worry! View our products, available for shipping nationwide!

We are Proud Partners of MenuTrinfo!

MenuTrinfo® has been providing Certified Free From™ (CFF) audits and awarding certification seals to consumer-packaged brands and manufacturers since 2017 and in 2022 our CFF seal was recognized by the National Accreditation Board (ANAB) as meeting the rigorous International Standards Organization (ISO) 17065 standards for certification bodies. This is the only certification for food allergens to reach this level of accreditation and we have a full list of public brands who have since gone through the CFF process.

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