Undeclared Allergens in Chocolate

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) would like to remind consumers with food allergies and those caring for persons with food allergies to exercise caution when purchasing or offering chocolate products as there may be a risk of undeclared allergens in the product. The most common undeclared allergens found in chocolate products are peanuts, tree nuts and milk protein.

Why should I be concerned?

Several recalls have occurred recently for undeclared allergens in chocolate products. For most individuals, these products are safe to consume. However, for those individuals with food allergies, consuming pre-packaged food with an undeclared allergen can be life-threatening.

Why are potential allergens in foods sometimes not declared on the label?

Undeclared ingredients on food labels may occur because of incomplete cleaning of surfaces and utensils, incorrect or incomplete list of ingredients, or unknown ingredients in raw materials.

What is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency doing?

The CFIA is working with the food industry so that allergens are properly declared in the list of ingredients on the food label, and that they develop allergen prevention strategies to manage the allergy risk. This initiative is in line with the Agency’s role to enforce Canada’s ingredient labelling requirements under the Food and Drug Regulations, and our commitment to helping consumers make safe food choices.

In consultation with the food industry and allergy groups, the federal government has also developed a precautionary labelling policy, e.g. “may contain peanuts”. This policy allows the food industry to voluntarily label products that may inadvertently contain substances capable of causing severe adverse reactions. Precautionary labelling must be truthful and must not take the place of good manufacturing practices.

What can I do to protect myself?

Read labels carefully each and every time you consume a pre-packaged food. Avoid products that do not have a list of ingredients and those with precautionary labelling (may contain statements). If you are not sure if the food contains an allergen, do not consume the product. Contact the importer or manufacturer for more information.

For more information

Further information on foods responsible for most adverse reactions can be found in the Consumer Fact Sheet, "Labelling of Foods Causing Allergies and Sensitivities" posted on the CFIA’s web site at www.inspection.gc.ca. All public warnings and Allergy Alerts are distributed to the media and are also posted on our web site. Internet users can subscribe to receive these notices which provide specific information to assist consumers in identifying potentially hazardous products. We encourage those consumers with allergies and sensitivities to take advantage of this service.

Should you have questions or concerns with chocolate products or other foods, please contact the nearest CFIA office. The number can be found in the blue pages of the telephone directory.

P0578-07