FDA Found Traces of Peanut in Cumin Spice, A Real Threat for Those With Allergies

The US Food and Drug Administration has pulled hundreds of products from stores because the cumin spices were contaminated with traces of peanuts, which is the number one allergenic food.

The FDA first became aware of this situation in November, and has since tried to take everything off the shelves that was cumin-related.

FDA warns those who are allergic to peanuts to keep away from cumin products and products that contain this spice.
According to reports, allergens like peanuts are the number one cause responsible for allergies in America. Those who suffer from food allergies are very careful with what they are eating because allergies can cause death.

Dr. Michael Pistiner, a pediatric allergists, said that although people with allergies take great measures to avoid dangerous foods, there is still a risk that the allergen ingredients are not declared on the label.

According to latest statistics conducted by the Food Allergy Research and Education, more than 15 million Americans suffer from food allergies. The study also shows that 1 in 13 children are allergic to a certain food.

There are 8 types of food responsible for more than 90% of the allergies, according to the reports. The list of allergen foods includes milk products, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy products, wheat fish and shellfish.

Since 2006, the law requires that all the allergens be listed on the label of the food packages, if they are ingredients.
But the laws on cross-contamination are different: food manufactures are not obliged to list on the products’ label if allergen foods have been processed in the same facility or using the same equipment.

Because of this, health officials cannot keep track of the number of people who experience allergic reactions due to cross-contamination, if this does not come as a warning on the label.

The FDA stated that there have been more than 428 reports of allergies between January 2012 and December 2014. These reports included at least 3 fatal cases.

The agency says there have been at least seven reports related to cumin products. The foods that contain cumin include spice mixes, black beans and marinated meats.
Image Source: bbc

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Anne-Marie Jackson

Anna grew up on a steady diet of 20th century literature, science-fiction movies and Viking lore. Unsurprisingly she turned into a technology geek with an inclination for history & fantasy.