Individuals with food allergies may read labels on food packaging to determine whether a food allergen us present. Food reulatory agencies, food manufacturers, and special interest groups are working together to provide consumers with adequate and appropriate allergen information on food labels. This study used focus groups to explore consumers' use of ingredients statements, their preference for allergen labeling, and their attitudes toward a federal regulation that would require allergen statements on food products with possible allergens. The focus group findings suggest that identification of the source ingredients in ingredients statements would be beneficial to consumers. Additionally, some consumers would find allergen statements useful in avoiding foods with possible allergens. based on these findings, some consumers would benefit for adequate and appropriate allergen information on food labels.
