Peanut Free Label Question

Lauren's Mom, to answer your questions:-

Would you like to see Peanut-Free on the labels of things in the grocery store or do you feel that you're handling fine without them?

Although I do feel that I am handling things fine without seeing a "peanut free" label on products because I think we have GREAT labeling in Canada, because I am dealing with PA solely, when I see the "peanut free" logo, I don't have to look at the ingredient label. I experience sheer joy (I know that may sound strange) when I see the "peanut free" label and I am seeing it more and more here in Canada.

Have you ever had a cross-contamination reaction or a reaction from an unlabeled product?

My son did have a two hive only cross contamination reaction from a product that I thought was labeled well, although it was certainly not labeled "peanut free". When I posted about it here, I found that other Canadians also didn't trust that particular manufacturer (Duncan Hines). So, I've never looked at another product of their's and it has been a few years. Also, when I contacted the company they maintained that my son could not have had a reaction. I didn't have the sense about me at the time to save the product to have it tested.

Do you think your experience, reaction or none, has influence on your decision to buy/not buy certain products?

Certainly. I don't buy that line of cake mixes because of the cross contamination reaction my son had. And with products that are not labeled "peanut free" certainly, it always remains dependent on whether or not my son has a reaction or not (touch wood). I feel we have quite a long list of manufacturers that we *can* trust, again because of what I consider "great" labeling here, but again, that would all change should my son have a reaction.

Is a financial reason that you buy/don't buy certain products?

Vermont Nut Free, someone I believe I could trust implicitly is an example of a product that I don't buy because it is so costly for me and I can buy "peanut free" labeled chocolate (Nestle) here in Canada at regular chocolate prices.

As far as most other products, when it comes to not buying store brand/no name, which are less expensive, and name brand, yes, I pay the higher price for what I consider more reliable labeling.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Quote:Originally posted by csc:
[b]
Although I do feel that I am handling things fine without seeing a "peanut free" label on products because I think we have GREAT labeling in Canada, because I am dealing with PA solely, when I see the "peanut free" logo, I don't have to look at the ingredient label. I experience sheer joy (I know that may sound strange) when I see the "peanut free" label and I am seeing it more and more here in Canada.

[/b]

Even if I were to see "peanut free" on the label, I would still check the ingredients. Not that that alone solely influences my decision either. It's a Big Picture Thing. [i]Come to think of it, I might even make a few phone calls.[/i]Even if a label said: "Peanut Free". Is there a regulatory standard for using the wording or declaring a product "peanut-free"? I mean, for some reason, I'm thinking of all the discussion I've heard regarding the use of such terms "heart healthy", "low carb", "organic", "low sugar", etc....

Know what I mean?

I mean, is it set in stone, in terms of parts per million, chance of cross contamination, etc, (even with regards to "Genetically Modified") what what "peanut free" means? [i]In my life-time, I've been surprised at what some think it means.......[/i]. If there is, is there a standardized method of testing/verification/quality control as well?

I'm even thinking of the discussion on Soy Milk that was running on the boards......

General Disclaimer: I am not offering advice in any manner or form. Just asking questions that I don't know the answer to.

Oh, I did get a really strange look from my MIL last week-end. She had purchased a cake (which I have since posted about here) that said NUT FREE in bold writing on the box (top right and left hand corners - one for French, one for English). Well, to me, that wasn't "peanut free" although I was fairly sure that it was "peanut free", but still, wavering in my stomach, HAD to check when she presented the box to us (I also wanted to get the name of the company).

So, I checked. Well. Was I "in for it". I explained that even though it said "nut free", peanuts weren't nuts and then the conversation went from there. I got the feeling that my MIL thought that she had been thoughtful enough (which she had been) to buy a "nut free" product and she experienced that joy I'm talking about (although not as greatly as I do [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] ) and then here I am still reading the label. She took great offense, believe me.

But I HAD to check, KWIM? I mean, "nut free" could simply have meant tree nut free.

With that particular line of products (there were two different kinds that MIL found at the store - coffee cakes), yes, I would continue to look at the ingredient list, but with Chapman's, with the "peanut free" logo, no, it's one of those things I feel comfortable grabbing out of the freezer no problem.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Quote:Originally posted by csc:
[b]But I HAD to check, KWIM? I mean, "nut free" could simply have meant tree nut free.

[/b]

understood, but even if my cub was only "peanut allergic" I'd [i]still[/i] check the label, ingredients, etc on something labelled "peanut-free". And probably even might call. Among other things...........

Maybe just my own idiosyncracies about "big pictures". [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Well, I think I would have done exactly the same thing. I didn't check your profile to see where you lived but if in the US it is just so unheard of to have PN/TN free labeled foods, I would have checked.

Talking PS, though, I don't check.

Would you like to see Peanut-Free on the labels of things in the grocery store or do you feel that you're handling fine without them?

I love seeing the "peanut free" labels that I do see. (I'm in Canada so Nestle chocolates, Chapman's ice cream and Peabutter are the products that come to mind that actually say this right on the front of the package. Dare products are also labelled peanut/nut free, but you have to look at the ingredients.)

I think I could handle things without "peanut free" on the labels. In my opinion, I think it is more of a help to those outside our community who are looking for peanut free items (for school lunches etc.)

Have you ever had a cross-contamination reaction or a reaction from an unlabeled product?

No.

Do you think your experience, reaction or none, has influence on your decision to buy/not buy certain products?

Not at this point.

Is a financial reason that you buy/don't buy certain products?

No.

Interesting bit about reading the labels even if the product is labelled "peanut free". I still do. My son is only PA as far as I know, but I still like to see what ingredients are going into the products.

Quote:Originally posted by LaurensMom:
[b]Well, I think I would have done exactly the same thing. I didn't check your profile to see where you lived but if in the US it is just so unheard of to have PN/TN free labeled foods, I would have checked.

[/b]

Actually, [i]I don't trust non-U.S. labels and products any more than I do U.S. labels and products.[/i] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] Some, even less.

but maybe that's just me. I'm used to living in a country that some may consider very prone to litigation. Go Figure. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

ps.........I live in IL.

No advice, just my own quirks.

[This message has been edited by MommaBear (edited April 03, 2005).]

Quote:Originally posted by LaurensMom:
[b]Talking PS, though, I don't check.[/b]

Is that because you are so aware of what they do before putting that lable there? I mean, if you walked in to the grocery store and PRODUCT X suddenly had a big PEANUT FREE banner written on it, would you trust it or not?

I trust it if it's a company that's been around for a while, and if I've never had (or heard of) problems with that company. I mean, if I phone a company I trust them to tell me the truth, so I also trust that what they put in writing is going to be honest.

I agree with happycat about the label on the front - I feel it is more beneficial to people looking for safe things to send to school, or parties or whatever. HOWEVER, I also think it is great for people who don't come to a site like this and are on their own to find new products.

[b]Have you ever had a cross-contamination reaction or a reaction from an unlabeled product?
[/b]

I had a cross-contam reaction from sesame seed from an unlabled product.

[b]
Do you think your experience, reaction or none, has influence on your decision to buy/not buy certain products?
[/b]

My experience has changed the questions I ask companies.

I had checked the safety of the product I was eating before I bought it. Walking through the grocery store I found a box of crackers and I called the 800 number. I asked if this particular product ran on lines with peanuts/nuts or sesame seeds. The woman looked it up and said no, it was safe. She also mentioned a few other crackers they had that were safe for me to eat. Christmas Eve I ate those crackers and I had a very serious reaction (breathing and bp were fine, but multiple organs involved). I KNEW the crackers were safe, so I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Dec. 26 I took one bite of the crackers again - and instantly I could feel a reaction coming on. So, on the first business day I called the 800 number again and explained what had happened. This woman looked a little deeper and told me that the box I bought (gave the individual code stamped on the box) when that box was made the regular machine was down for repair, and THAT box ran right after sesame seeds.

So now, when I call companies for information I also ask "what if the regular machine is down for repair - what does it run with then?" and I ask "what about the packaging machine - is it also safe".

[b]Is a financial reason that you buy/don't buy certain products?
[/b]

If I can find a safe but cheaper product that is good I will buy it. If a product is expensive, but there is no safe alternative I will buy it (if it's good) but not as often.

Quote:Originally posted by LaurensMom:
[b]
Would you like to see Peanut-Free on the labels of things in the grocery store or do you feel that you're handling fine without them?[/b]

I'm indifferent. But [i]It isn't about me[/i]. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] "Peanut-Free" logo or not, I have certain criteria. If it meets it, then possibly....[b][i]Bonus[/i][/b]. Not sure yet. Thinking about that "false sense of security" thing. Thinking about a bigger picture. Not sure if the thoughts have validity. Risk/Benefit, I mean. I mean, [b]how do I want to introduce the concept of "Peanut-Free" declarations (or any other) to my cubs?[/b] Bigger Pictures, I mean.

Anyone?

Quote:[b]Have you ever had a cross-contamination reaction or a reaction from an unlabeled product?[/b]

My cubs? They don't eat unlabelled products. I have no food allergies, [i]but rarely do I, either......[/i]

Quote:[b]Do you think your experience, reaction or none, has influence on your decision to buy/not buy certain products?[/b]

reaction? [i]sure[/i]

none? [i]if the product meets my criteria, then no reaction, but I discover something about the product that then it doesn't meet my criteria[/i], then I won't buy it. lack of reaction aside. I don't like roulette.

Quote:[b]Is a financial reason that you buy/don't buy certain products?

[/b]

I try to be economical, but fortunately, I don't have to sacrifice quality. whispering: More recently, I've succumbed to some convienience packaging. Even in "fresh" items. [i](bracing for wet-noodle therapy..........)[/i]

General Disclaimer: I am not offering advice in any manner or form. Just describing my own happenstance in my own unique, highly individual, and personal situation. I could be way off. IMMV.

Anna Marie, you posted:-

Is that because you are so aware of what they do before putting that lable there? I mean, if you walked in to the grocery store and PRODUCT X suddenly had a big PEANUT FREE banner written on it, would you trust it or not?

The company that I do that with, like Lauren's Mom does with Philly Swirl, is definitely Chapman's, and, of course, only their products that are boldly labeled "peanut free".

If it's a new company that suddenly has a "peanut free" logo, no, I'd still be checking. But Chapman's, yes, I do simply grab, although there is usually much deliberation about what flavour I want to buy.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

MB, I think the question regarding *unlabeled* products was referring to no labling of peanut. (As in it's not listed as an ingredient, it's not listed as a may contain, and it's not listed as peanut free.)

Lauren's Mom, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

We hadn't bought Moonpies in a while due to not seeing them and eating too many of them prior. I bought a box yesterday and it said on it in blue print under the ingredients:
ALLERGY INFORMATION:
Our company DOES NOT manufacture any items with peanuts, tree nuts, eggs or milk.

If it is specific enough like this, it makes it much easier to shop just like the Philly-Swirl labeling.

Quote:Originally posted by LaurensMom:
[b].... I didn't check your profile to see where you lived but if in the US it is just so unheard of to have PN/TN free labeled foods, I would have checked.

...[/b]

I checked your profile, but you didn't list where You live.

I am in Canada and I am comfortable with the labelling of Canadian products but of course any product imported I would want the same high standard of labelling.

Quote:Originally posted by Codyman:
[b] I checked your profile, but you didn't list where You live.

I am in Canada and I am comfortable with the labelling of Canadian products but of course any product imported I would want the same high standard of labelling.

[/b]

Oh...sorry...I thought it said. I'll update. I'm in the US.