LabelGuard
Allergen Guide

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Milk Allergen in US

Milk (Dairy and lactose) is a regulated major allergen in US that must be clearly declared.

What the Rule Is

Milk 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 "Milk" 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 "Milk"
  • Missing hidden sources in compound ingredients
  • Insufficient emphasis in ingredients list
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

Ingredients: Flour, **Milk**, Sugar

Non-Compliant Examples

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

LabelGuard scans your label for milk and all its derivatives including: Whey, Casein, Lactose, Butter, Cream.

Start Your Compliance Check
Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients contain hidden milk?

Common hidden sources include: Whey, Casein, Lactose, Butter, Cream, Milk powder, Cheese.

Is milk one of the major allergens in US?

Yes, milk 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.

Ensure US Compliance

Get your label checked against all US regulations in seconds.

  • AI-powered compliance check
  • 200+ regulatory checks
  • Detailed violation reports
  • Fix suggestions included
Start Compliance Check

Starting at $29 per label check

US Compliance Hub

Explore all US labeling requirements in one place.

View US Hub

Ready to Ensure Full US Compliance?

LabelGuard checks your labels against all FDCA & FSMA requirements in seconds. Catch violations before they cost you.

Trusted by food manufacturers, supplement brands, and compliance teams worldwide