From January 1, 2026, food manufacturers must accurately indicate which allergenic substances are contained in their products. Food manufacturers often prematurely mention that products may contain 'traces' of, for example, milk and nuts. Updated policy requires food manufacturers to be more specific with allergy warnings on labels, the Ministry of Health confirmed on Tuesday NRC.
To prevent damage claims, manufacturers often warn in advance about cross-contamination, the risk that foods have come into contact with an allergenic substance. Manufacturers want to prevent products from being removed from circulation afterwards, chairman Erna Botjes of the Food Allergy Foundation tells de Volkskrant. People with allergies often do not know whether foods contain a substance or not.
Labels with phrases such as 'traces of gluten' or 'made in a factory where nuts are also present' will therefore no longer be allowed. Experts have established a reference dose for each allergen on behalf of the World Health Organization and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. If a product contains more than the reference dose considered safe, a warning must appear on the label. Manufacturers still have two years to adjust their labels.
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