Mustard: The New Food Allergen

In Canada, mustard has made it to the top foods of concern for allergies. In September of 2009, Canada announced it was adding mustard seed to the list of "priority allergens". Mustard seed now joins peanut, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, and sulphites on the priority list.

This news came as Health Canada outlined significant changes to regulations governing food allergies. New rules declare that priority allergens should be stated in plain language. This is especially so when an allergen is part of another ingredient. Under current rules, a label could simply say "spices" or "flavorings" instead of clearly specifying an allergen is in the product.

These changes follow a review of comments that the public, medical professionals, the food industry, and other holders put forward about the proposed rules. In conjunction with mustard being the 11^th allergen, consultations led the department to remove allergy exemptions from fining agents and wax coatings.

At first, a label on standardized alcohol was no going to have to declare whether fining agents used in production were derived from the three top allergens: eggs, milk, or fish. But things have changed since the review. All alcoholic beverages will have to affirm the priority allergens.

The wax found on fresh produce will have to announce allergies as the wax can have milk, soy, gluten, and other allergens.

Health Canada has developed criteria where it can assess new potential priority allergens in the future. Marylin Allen, a food allergy consultant to Health Canada and Anaphylaxis Canada, has this to say, "That is important because that now there's a standard to follow."

When evaluating a potential allergen, Health Canada will examine the severity of reactions. The data available on the prevalence of allergic reactions, as well as the level of exposure to the food in Canada. Research will also be conducted to see what other countries are including on their priority lists.

Adding mustard to the list was a good example of this process. The mustard allergy may not be that widespread, but the reactions that have occurred are severe. Adding mustard to the allergen list will help people with a mustard allergy be able to find foods that are safe to eat. Julie Motosune says the proper labeling of allergens will help her seven year old daughter who has a mustard allergy. The family has had to avoid soups, chips, and meats because of this allergy.

Resources:

"Canada Makes it to the Top 11" by Claire Gagné. pg 44, Allergic Living. Winter 2010