FAAN Sponsored FDA Call to Action

For years the FDA has protected food allergic individuals by recalling mislabeled food products. Often these recalls were initiated by a consumer complaint of a reaction or other information indicating the presence of an undeclared allergen in a product.

FAAN is aware of several instances, however, when the FDA has been informed that a food allergic individual has had an allergic reaction to a food, analytical testing has confirmed the presence of an undeclared allergen in the food, yet the FDA has refused to classify the incident as a recall. The FDA has told us that this is because the analytical test has not been validated and as such, could not be used as evidence in court.

We have been meeting with top-level FDA officials to discuss FAAN's concerns but have been unable to get the FDA to classify these incidents as recalls or to take action on these products. Our concern for the safety of the millions of individuals with food allergy is growing. Products with undeclared allergens that have already triggered allergic reactions may remain on the market. It is time for FAAN members to come together and let the FDA and elected officials hear our voices on this issue.

FAAN believes a consumer complaint alone should be sufficient to generate an FDA investigation. When the FDA finds supporting evidence, such as an admission from the manufacturer of a processing error, records demonstrating the mistaken addition of an allergen to the food and/or analytical results identifying undeclared allergens, FAAN believes that it is imperative that the products be quickly removed from the marketplace to protect other individuals with food allergy. For years, the FDA operated under this system.

Recalls in the U.S. are voluntary; however, in our opinion, FDA's oversight and enforcement action is essential to assure that the manufacturers involved will do their best and will work quickly to remove any mislabeled product from the market. Without FDA action or enforcement, some companies won't be motivated to label accurately or to recall products when mistakes are discovered. This is a slippery slope that can potentially lead to more reactions, hospital visits, and deaths from reactions to mislabeled products.

More and more people are being diagnosed with food allergy every day. We must act quickly. We strongly urge you to immediately:

1. Write to the FDA

2. Write to your elected officials-senators and congressional representatives

3. Ask your family and friends to write letters as well

4. Send copies of the letters to FAAN

Do it now before anyone else has a reaction due to a mislabeled food product. See our website for a sample letter. Let the FDA know how important it is to your family that the FDA protect our food supply from undeclared allergens. In order to avoid a reaction, we all must have ingredient labels that are accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Let them know that you believe they should classify an incident as a recall when the FDA receives a credible consumer complaint and information identifying the presence of an undeclared allergen in the food.

Send your letters to:

Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D
Deputy Commissioner
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane (HF-1/14-71/PKLN)
Rockville , Maryland 20857

To find out who represents you in Congress and to obtain their contact information, visit www.house.gov and www.senate.gov. Thank you in advance for your quick action and for your support on an issue that affects every one of our members and their families. We will keep you informed of our progress.

Thank you!

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FAAST
PO Box 565
Loveland Ohio 45140
513.588.6863, help@faastcincy.org

Consult your physician for medical advice. FAAST will not be responsible for any action taken by individuals as a result of their interpretation of information distributed by FAAST in any form.

Food Allergy Support & Training Inc is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit education and support group