Have you had an allergic reaction to packaged food?
Food labels are required by law to carry essential information so that people know what is in the food they buy.
This includes statements about the presence of food allergens, which are foods known to cause a life-threatening reaction (including anaphylaxis) in people with allergies.
People with allergies are at serious risk unless foods are labelled correctly.
The role of the Food Safety Unit at the Department of Health is to ensure that food sold in Victoria is safe.
We can investigate and test food for allergens that are not described on the food label. If a food is not correctly labelled we can make sure it is removed from sale if required.
Please contact the Food Safety Unit immediately:
| IF | AND | AND |
|---|---|---|
you, your child, or someone in your care is allergic to:
| you suspect that they have had an allergic or anaphylactic reaction to a packaged food, | the label did not show that the food allergen was present. |
The Food Safety Unit needs your help – let us know today so we can act quickly.
Contact us at:
The Food Safety Unit
Tel. 1300 364 352 (24 hours, 7 days)
Email us at foodsafety@health.vic.gov.au
Learn more about food safety at the Department of .
More information about food allergies
Food allergy is an immune response, while food intolerance is a chemical reaction...
Coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity
Coeliac disease is an immune disease caused by gluten...
Symptoms of fish and shellfish allergies vary and range from milder reactions to a life-threatening severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)...
Peanuts, tree nuts and seeds can all cause allergies with symptoms ranging from milder reactions to a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)...
Milk allergy symptoms range from mild to a life-threatening severe allergic reaction. Avoid food containing milk only under strict medical supervision...
Reviewed on: 20-12-2023