An FYI: Illinois passed new allergen regulation
Not sure how this will effect food manufacturers. I just read this and sent this on to our corporate office - I'll see what they say.
I've seen the effects of California's Prop 65 did but not when a state makes a law regarding a food ingredient. Which really will effect a companies SOP, allergen management process, etc if they have sesame in their plant.
https://www.npr.org/...viously-thought
Interesting to see what the FDA does. If anyone recalls a few years ago Vermont wanted to have a state mandated GMO labeling on food sold in the state. The FDA saw this and responded with a guidance, or rule, concerning GMO labeling of food. It quashed what Vermont was set out to do, and had signed into law. Thanks goodness because it is near impossible to operate on a patchwork of state rules regarding GMO's, and I think allergens too, depending on how far states want to take it.
This is interesting, and I do remember the whole Vermont GMO fiasco. This new allergen regulation is the one "state" regulation I can understand. This is directly correlated to people's health, as a reaction is immediate. We'll probably start seeing a shift in allergen labeling to start including more than just the "big eight", because people seem to be a lot more sensitive to allergens now. Growing up, I knew a couple kids who were allergic to shellfish and one that couldn't eat nuts. However, we never had to have specialized parties where parents weren't allowed to bring certain foods for parties or regulations on students' lunches. Well...that's a different rabbit trail. However, given people's sensitivities, it is probably time we start shifting allergen labeling to include some of the lesser known allergens.
The Vermont GMO thing and Prop 65 both in my opinion were overly ridiculous. I understand wanting to label products to show GMO content so consumers know what they are eating, but the way it was rolled out was pretty ridiculous. Prop 65 is even worse. Regarding the new Illiinois regulations and any state regulations, they know as a manufacturer, you aren't always in control over where your product is used/sold. Especially if you have online presence. Therefore, even if not federally mandated, they know they can try to come at the food manufacturers with these regulations, and many will try to comply. No one wants to pay fines or be subject to worse consequences by not complying with regulations.
I'm glad that at least sesame makes sense as to add to the allergen list. Since the US is considering adding to the big eight. I did here back from my corporate food safety expert and he did say, if we sold in Illinois we would have to follow this regulation. Luckily for us, we only have sesame oil and not sesame seed. I'm also surprised I didn't read about this from other sources. If it isn't squashed by the FDA, the companies that export to Canada will already have a policy in place for sesame. For them, I doubt they see this as a huge deal.
For those unaware, states are allowed to pass regulations that are stricter than federal law but not the opposite.
This law takes effect immediately.