That may very well be true. I'm not saying what I would do as a PA parent. I'm saying what I would do as a large food processing concern.
The fact is that if it hasn't already happened, it is only a matter of time before some peanut product gets into a package that is labeled peanut free. Even with all of their testing, inspection, employee training, vendor qualification, etc., at some point, something is going to slip past. More than likely, that package won't end up in a PA household. And even if it does, the quanities involved may be small enough that there is no appreciable effect.
My point is: If I were such a food processor, I would never open myself up to the liability involved with somebody finding peanuts in my "peanut-free" product. The potential cost (court settlement) is so much greater than the benefit (marginal number of PA customers). Therefore I would just mark everything "May contain peanuts," no matter how certain I am that they don't.

Nutster -
With all due respect, this board is primarily a tool for PA people/PA parents, thus my perspective and not that of a manufacturer. We exchange ideas based on facts/experiences as they exist currently and strive to educate others (including manufacturers) regarding our safety needs.
The reference to mistakes in processing have already happened - this is not news to us. Hence, the anxiety of how to be prepared and for the unknown "what" when eating. I go back to my original thoughts that when I purchase consumer goods/services, I expect full disclosure to the best of the manufacuturer's ability whether that is an auto, life insurance, food, etc. It's a cop out to put a blanket "may contain" statement if that is not the truth. As an example, consumers wouldn't accept auto manufacturers labeling "may contain faulty brakes". Just my thoughts due to experience with PA. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
Cathy

Quote:Originally posted by B'sMom:
[b]... I expect full disclosure to the best of the manufacuturer's ability whether that is an auto, life insurance, food, etc. It's a cop out to put a blanket "may contain" statement if that is not the truth. As an example, consumers wouldn't accept auto manufacturers labeling "may contain faulty brakes".[/b]
It may be a cop out, but it's a prudent one. And it wouldn't be untrue. They may be certain that there is no bulk peanut in their product, but it only takes a miniscule trace- and they can never have perfect knowledge that no peanut molecules are in their product.
Nobody would buy a car with a "may contain faulty brakes" sticker. But sales lost due to "may contain peanuts" are insignificant.

Insignificant? Tell that to Nestle Canada.
Katiee

Hi Katiee
Exactly what I was thinking! They are even starting to market explicitly for PA with the new "safe to share" package!
deb