Non-food items can also contain allergenic food proteins. “Familiarize yourself with other non-food items that are exempt from the new labeling requirements,” says Mitchell. “Over the counter and prescription drugs, and health and beauty aids are some of the items that do not have to be labeled in compliance with the new labeling law. For example, a shampoo or hand lotion can contain major allergens such as milk or almond ingredients, but the label does not have to indicate its common name (milk, almonds) or have a "contains" warning.”

     Certain foods are exempt from the new labeling requirements too.  Foods regulated by the USDA, such as meats, poultry and certain egg products, do not have to be labeled in compliance with the new law. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also exempt from the new labeling requirements. Restaurant foods, fast foods, street vendors' wares, and ready-to-eat foods packaged in a store are also not required to be labeled in accordance with the new requirements.

    Another issue is the “may contain” or “processed in a facility” statement that warns of possible contamination, says Dr. Andrew MacGinnitie, an allergy specialist at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.  “One small study found about 10% of foods so labeled contained significant amounts of the identified allergen with no difference based on the wording of the statement. This means that allergic individuals might tolerate one of these foods many times, but are still at risk of a serious reaction,” he said.

Need Help With Labels? Here's How To Find Hidden Food Allergens 

John Riddle, a freelance writer and author from Delaware, is the Founder of I Love To Write Day, a grassroots campaign he launched in 2002. Visit www.ilovetowriteday.org for more info.