Scanning for allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, soy and eggs
A scanner can speed up label checks, but with a food allergy the package is always the final word. Here's how to use both together.
The nine major U.S. allergens
U.S. law requires labels to declare milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame — either in the ingredient list or in a 'Contains' statement.
'May contain' is voluntary
Statements like 'may contain' or 'made in a facility that also processes' are voluntary and not standardized. A product without one isn't guaranteed to be free of cross-contact.
Use alerts as a first check
- Turn on the preferences that apply to you — peanut-free, tree-nut-free, soy-free, egg-free, gluten-free or lactose-free.
- Scan a product: a conflict shows a warning straight away.
- Before you eat it, read the allergen statement on the package itself.
FAQ
- Can I rely on the app for a severe allergy?
- No app should be your only check. Product data can be incomplete or out of date, and recipes change. Use alerts to narrow your choices, then confirm on the label.
Scan it before you buy it
Novaz: Food & Cosmetic Scanner scores food and cosmetics from 0 to 100, shows why, and suggests better picks from the same shelf — no ads, no account.
Download on the App Store