Food Labelling Frustrations 10/6/14

Today for the second time in a year, I was faced with an ingredient change of a snack that i usually buy for the kids. Originally when I first purchased this snack, it contained no eggs. After I had been buying it for a while, a new flavouring became available, so I thought I would check it out. When I read the label, it clearly stated "contains egg".  I returned the item to the shelf and picked up the one I normally purchase. I do not know what made me read the label, however when I did it now clearly stated "contains egg". aaaarrrrrgh frustrating!!!!!

 

I was beside myself. I went home and discarded all of the packets I had at home, as I didn't know which batch I had, and if the product was safe for my kids. The problem being that the labelling was on the outer box and not on the individual packets. It is just so frustrating. I couldn't help but think, "why would they change the ingredients and not write on the front of the box that there had been a change". But then I put it in perspective, I was looking from the inside out and not remembering that the majority of the community are unaffected by what are considered minor changes to food ingredients. This is the flipside of my world where minor changes could be fatal. Fortunately my kids were not harmed and I learnt a very valuable lesson.   "Read the ingredients every single time, manufacturers can change ingredients with little or no warning".

 

Australian food labelling laws oblige manufacturers to declare if their products contain any of the major allergens ie; egg, milk, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. They must also list any additives and substances involved in food processing on their pre packaged food. Good labelling of allergens is still very much in its infancy.

 

Be vigilant and take car.

Leave a comment

Name *

Email *

Comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.