LabelGuard
Allergen Guide

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Fish Allergen in US

Fish (All fish species) is a regulated major allergen in US that must be clearly declared.

What the Rule Is

Fish must be declared on food labels in United States as a regulated allergen. This includes the allergen itself and any derivatives. FALCPA (2004) and the FASTER Act (2021) define 9 major allergens β€” milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame (mandatory since 1 January 2023). Each must be declared either in parentheses in the ingredient list or in a "Contains" statement, and tree nut species must be named individually.

What You Must Include
  • Clear declaration of "Fish" or specific derivative names
  • Proper emphasis in the ingredients list
  • Declaration of processing aids containing the allergen
Common Violations
  • Using scientific names without the common name "Fish"
  • Missing hidden sources in compound ingredients
  • Insufficient emphasis in ingredients list
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

Ingredients: Flour, **Fish**, Sugar

Non-Compliant Examples

Ingredients: Flour, Fish, Sugar (no emphasis)
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard scans your label for fish and all its derivatives including: Fish sauce, Anchovies, Fish stock, Fish gelatin, Surimi.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients contain hidden fish?

Common hidden sources include: Fish sauce, Anchovies, Fish stock, Fish gelatin, Surimi.

Is fish one of the major allergens in US?

Yes, fish is a regulated major allergen in US that must be declared.

How are allergens required to be declared in US?

FALCPA (2004) and the FASTER Act (2021) define 9 major allergens β€” milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame (mandatory since 1 January 2023). Each must be declared either in parentheses in the ingredient list or in a "Contains" statement, and tree nut species must be named individually.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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