Allergen statement

An allergen statement is the label declaration identifying major food allergens present in a product, usually as a line beginning with the word Contains.

Federal food labeling law designates a set of major allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame, that must be declared in plain language. Tree nut declarations must name the specific nut. Coconut is treated as a tree nut for labeling purposes, which is relevant because MCT oil derived from coconut is a common carrier in CBD products.

For a reader with allergies, the statement is the quickest check, but the full other-ingredients list should still be read, since botanical extracts and essential oils in topicals can cause reactions without being designated allergens. Topicals and cosmetics are not subject to the same statement requirement as foods, so absence of a Contains line on a balm does not mean absence of allergens. Pet products follow different rules, and a veterinarian can advise on ingredient sensitivities in animals.