Friday, March 26, 2010

Keebler's Allergen Labeling Policy

There's not many Keebler brand products that I purchase these days since eliminating processed foods from our pantry.  However, it doesn't mean that Abigail won't have the opportunity to indulge at a friend's house or at a class party.  I recently contacted them regarding their allergen labeling policy.  Here's what they had to say:

Our production lines are thoroughly cleaned between allergen containing products and we follow good manufacturing practices. We have validated (through testing) our allergen cleaning processes in all of our facilities. We are very concerned about food allergies and want to ensure that our products are safe for food allergic consumers to eat. Scientific evidence has shown that consumers with peanut and tree nut allergies can have a severe reaction to amounts that are below the current detectable limits based on existing technology. For this reason, we have chosen to warn consumers allergic to peanuts and tree nuts of the potential for extremely low levels by using a may contain statement.

So, hat's off to the makers of the elf for properly using a "May Contain" statement for products made on the same equipment!  Just a side note though, they didn't address making products in the same facility.  Do we assume that because they are so diligent about products on the same equipment that they equally diligent with products made on separate lines?  This is where labeling standardization would be very welcome!

By the way, they've got a cute website.  My 2 1/2 year old asked repeatedly to see it again. Also, I'm not endorsing Keebler product with this post.  I'm just sharing information.