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Milk

Low concern

Milk is a staple food but is one of the nine major food allergens recognized under FALCPA, requiring mandatory disclosure on US food labels. Lactose intolerance is also common.

Found in

96,697 products

What it is

Lacteal secretion from cows or other domesticated ruminants (goats, sheep). Contains water, lactose, milk fat, casein and whey proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Source of protein, fat, calcium; provides texture, body, and flavor in baked goods, beverages, and dairy products.

Why it's flagged

Major FDA-recognized food allergen requiring label disclosure
Lactose intolerance affects a substantial portion of adults
Top cause of undeclared-allergen recalls

What regulators actually say

"FALCPA identified eight foods or food groups as the major food allergens. These are milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans."

FDA — Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) — fda.gov

"Of the major food allergens, milk represents the most common cause of recalls due to undeclared allergens."

FDA — Food Allergies — fda.gov

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

GRAS food; major food allergen under FALCPA (21 USC 343(w))

European Union — EFSA

permitted; mandatory allergen labeling under EU Regulation 1169/2011

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