A Warning About Food Labels and Allergies
A recent incident has sparked a conversation about the importance of reading food labels, especially for those with allergies. A man from Toronto, Canada, shared his story on an online forum, warning others to always check the ingredients list before purchasing products.
The man, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that his wife nearly suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction after drinking cranberry juice that contained traces of shellfish. The incident occurred when he ordered a bottle of cranberry juice online from Walmart as part of his weekly grocery delivery.
When the store did not have his wife’s preferred brand, he opted for a recommended substitute. However, upon receiving the product, he noticed a warning on the label stating that the juice “may contain shellfish.” This was a shocking discovery, given that his wife has a severe shellfish allergy.
Shellfish allergies are one of the most common food allergies globally, affecting over 200 million people. Symptoms can range from mild reactions like hives and itching to more severe issues such as nausea, vomiting, coughing, and wheezing. In extreme cases, anaphylaxis can occur, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.
While cranberry juice itself does not naturally contain shellfish, experts warn that cross-contamination can happen during the manufacturing process. This is especially true if the facility also processes shellfish products.
Some Redditors noted that while cranberries grow in freshwater environments, there are instances where shellfish like crawfish can be found in similar areas. One user who claimed to have worked at a cranberry farm suggested that the presence of crawfish in the juice might be the cause of the contamination.
This incident highlights a broader issue: many fruit juices can contain traces of shellfish due to cross-contamination during production. For example, Clamato juice is made with clam broth, making it one of the few beverages that intentionally includes shellfish as a base ingredient.
Other commenters added that wine and other alcoholic beverages may also contain shellfish. This is because some fining agents used in wine production are derived from animal products, including shellfish. These agents help clarify the wine and remove unwanted substances.
Many users on the forum expressed gratitude to the original poster, hi2colin, for sharing his experience. They noted that they too suffer from shellfish allergies and appreciated the reminder to read labels carefully.
According to data, shellfish allergies affect around 2.9 percent of the U.S. population, which translates to approximately 7.2 million adults. This makes it the most common food allergy among adults in the country. While allergies can develop at any age, they are often diagnosed in adulthood.
Sufferers may react to specific types of shellfish. For instance, some people can tolerate mollusks like oysters and mussels but are allergic to crustaceans such as prawns, lobster, and crab.
The most effective treatment for severe allergic reactions is an adrenaline injection, and individuals with known allergies are advised to carry an auto-injector like an EpiPen. However, even after using an EpiPen, it is crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately if symptoms persist or worsen.
Experts recommend that people with shellfish allergies read food labels carefully. Cross-contamination can occur in stores where other foods are processed or displayed near shellfish. Shellfish may also be present in fish stock or seafood flavoring.
Although companies are required to label products containing crustacean shellfish, this regulation does not apply to mollusks. Therefore, consumers must remain vigilant and informed.
Walmart has been contacted regarding the potential shellfish trace in its cranberry drink, and the company is currently responding to the inquiry.
