products containing known allergens mislabeled
On January 1, 2006 the United States introduced a new label law for foodmakers. It requires food labels to state in simple terms the presence of the most common allergens: milk, egg, tree nuts, fish, wheat and soy (as well as peanuts and shellfish). Last week, the Chicago Tribune published an article exposing a frightening reality for those of us who regularly scrutinize labels for potential allergens in the foods we consume: foodmakers are citing some allergens on the label, but not all. Or not citing anything when allergens are in fact present. In short, children are having significant (sometimes deadly) allergic reactions to foods – mainly packaged foods and snacks. They are being treated at hospitals and the incidents are being reported to the authorities – but the complaints are being ignored. The FDA and USDA are not acting. Meanwhile, products remain on the shelves because - get this – recalls are “voluntary”.
There is an interesting subsection on the presence of gluten (in what I would consider significant ppm quantities) in products labeled “gluten free” from the Wellshire Farm people. Total Shocker. I don’t buy their frozen food (which failed independant lab tests by a wide margin) but I regularly purchase their gluten free, casein free, soy free lunch meat (virginia ham) for my daughter. For as long as I can remember, my son has flat-out refused Wellshire Farm ham and turkey. Clearly, he knew something we didn’t.
In my honest opinion, my son has always had an uncanny ability to detect hidden gluten in products from a very young age. Before I Iearned how to cook gluten free foods, I would on occasion purchase frozen “kids” items from Wellshire Farms among other producers. Item by item, he would consistently refuse to eat things a second time because they made him sick. At the time, I didn’t quite understand: the label clearly read “gluten free.” I always attributed his refusal to pickiness or having an off day. Now, I know better. The trust is gone.
The mislabeling debacle dredges up feelings of sadness and frustration. My heart sinks when I think about all the parents out there (who have sensitive children like mine) who remain unaware of the investigation’s disturbing revelations. After reading the Tribune’s article I remain as diligent as ever in trying to provide as many foods from nature and homemade snacks for my children – even if it does take more time. The peace of mind is worth it. To read the article in its entirety, click here.
Update: The results of the Tribune’s investigation have rippled (albeit slowly) throughout the natural food industry. Whole Foods has responded by pulling all 3 Wellshire frozen food items from their stores. Smaller independent natural foods stores have followed suit. Wellshire’s president has stated that the company will not be issuing a recall for tainted products because that would constitute an “admission of guilt” that could put the company at risk for potential lawsuits. For the full article, click here.
[...] who are suffering because of – to put it plainly – inaction. Last year, I wrote an article about Wellshire Farms, a company owned by Whole Foods who continued to sell (and voluntarily [...]