Animal-Free Dairy Does Not Mean Allergy-Free
About 1.9% of U.S. children are allergic to milk. Those with a milk allergy tend to look for animal-free milk ingredients not realizing that animal-free dairy does not mean allergen-free milk. Even though the milk is animal-free, that is, the milk is not of any animal, the milk protein is the same in both kinds of milk. That is why the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires food companies to label their products clearly if they contain milk.
Here are 5 things to know about animal-free dairy products if you have a Milk Allergy:
1️⃣ People with a milk allergy can have allergic reactions to animal-free milk proteins and products made with them, and should avoid these products.
2️⃣ Read food labels for the terms “animal-free dairy” or “non-animal whey protein” or dairy products that say “animal-free,” so you can avoid them.
3️⃣ Products that are made with animal-free milk protein must clearly label for milk allergens under U.S. food label laws.
4️⃣ Know that a food labeled as “vegan” may contain animal-free milk protein.
5️⃣ Restaurants may serve vegan or plant-based foods that contain animal-free milk protein.
