Potential Allergens Can Be Present In Natural Flavors
Ever wondered what the terms “natural flavor” or “natural flavoring” on food labels signify? These terms are used to specify plant or animal-based ingredients that add flavor but do not have nutritional value.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), natural flavor or flavoring may come from:
Spices
Fruit or fruit juice
Vegetable or vegetable juice
Edible yeast
Herb
Bark
Bud
Root
Leaf or similar plant material
Meat
Seafood
Poultry
Eggs
Dairy products
If the natural flavoring contains one of the nine major allergens, you will see the name of the major allergen within the list of ingredients. For example, the label may say, “natural flavoring (soy)” or “Contains: soy.”
Anyone who is managing a food allergy that is not considered a Top 9 allergen by the FDA will have to be more careful with foods that list natural flavors.
If a food has natural flavors listed on the ingredient label, check with the manufacturer to be sure that food is safe for you or your child to eat.
