Codex Alimentarius Sets New Allergen Labeling Guidelines

The Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted new international guidelines on precautionary allergen labeling during its 49th session held in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 6-10, 2026. The guidelines aim to standardize "may contain" statements, which currently vary widely across products and countries, leading to inconsistent information for consumers.

Approximately 4.3% of the global population is affected by food allergies, with reactions ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. The new guidelines are based on scientific recommendations to promote consistent allergen labeling, helping consumers make informed food choices.

The FAO noted that precautionary allergen statements play an essential role in determining food safety. The guidelines encourage food businesses to implement appropriate allergen management measures and conduct scientific risk assessments to demonstrate the risk of unintended allergen presence.

This initiative aims to improve consumer confidence and provide clarity for food manufacturers while complementing existing Codex standards on allergen management.