Cumin could contain peanuts, says FDA

Like many packaged products, spices come with challenges for producers, who need to fit all of the necessary labels and product information on a small bottle or jar. In this tightened space, those with limited experience in arranging and printing custom food labels could be at a loss as how to inform customers of possible allergen contamination.

The FDA has released another warning statement for those with peanut allergies. The advisory pertains to a type of spice often used as an ingredient in complex spicy dishes. That spice is cumin, and the Administration is launching a general warning that references several individual products from different manufacturers.

Consumers are advised to read item ingredients carefully and make decisions based on the amount of ground cumin and the severity of their allergies. Some of the specific recalled brands include items from companies like NAC Foods Co., Zenobia Company LLC and Spice N’More.

“Ground cumin may be sold as a spice, in a spice mix or kit, or as a minor ingredient when used in finished food products like soups and chilies,” the statement says. “Most finished products are expected to have low amounts of ground cumin, and therefore low amounts of peanut protein.” It goes on to mention that sensitive consumers should take caution “with any product” they consume just to be safe.

Although there are resources online for allergic consumers to help them find appropriate foods, the right labels help in this effort considerably. They should specify exactly how an allergen may have come into contact with the food in preparation, either because it was in the same facility or simply as one of the ingredients.

Food companies should keep consumers informed by using commercial printing tools to make ingredient labels that are detailed and easy to read.