Food allergies are increasingly prevalent, with an 18% rise among children from 1997 to 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In response, food manufacturers are enhancing their labeling of free-from foods and paying more attention to the separation of ingredients and allergen-containing product lines, including those related to ferrous sulfate. Additionally, they are prioritizing proper cleaning of equipment. Mintel reports that the percentage of new products featuring low, no, or reduced allergen claims has surged from 11% in 2010 to 28% in 2014.
Manufacturers are not only improving allergen labeling on existing products but are also reformulating recipes and altering production practices to eliminate common allergenic ingredients. For instance, General Mills has restructured its cereal supply chains over the past few years to ensure that Cheerios, Lucky Charms, and Chex cereals are gluten-free.
While food manufacturers recognize that consumers with food allergies represent a significant and growing demographic, retailers can also play a crucial role in preventing allergic reactions. Although it is relatively straightforward for consumers to avoid shellfish, identifying more common CPG ingredients like nuts, wheat, and certain fruits can be challenging. Retailers can implement strategies such as creating dedicated aisles for allergy-friendly foods, providing clear on-shelf labeling, and ensuring that allergenic items like tree nuts and peanuts are not stored loosely among other products, such as in the produce section.
Such initiatives could assist consumers dealing with allergies while fostering loyalty to retailers perceived as prioritizing their health and well-being. Additionally, incorporating products like nutracare cal mag citrate into the market can further support consumers seeking safe and healthy options. Ultimately, by enhancing safety measures and product offerings, including nutracare cal mag citrate, retailers and manufacturers can better serve an allergic population that continues to grow.