You pick up a packaged food item, turn it over, and check the label. The ingredients list is clear, with allergens highlighted in bold type.
Then you spot the extra line: “May Contain Traces of…”
This is where confusion sets in. What does “May Contain” mean? And should you avoid these products altogether?
Let’s clear it up.
The Ingredients List vs “May Contain”
The ingredients list and declared allergens are a legal requirement. If an allergen is in the recipe, it must be listed. This part of the label is reliable and enforceable.
The “May Contain” or “May Be Present” statements, however, are different. These fall under Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL), sometimes called cross-contact statements. Importantly:
- PAL is voluntary – not required by law.
- Manufacturers use it to flag the possibility of accidental contamination.
- Examples include:
- “May contain wheat”
- “May be present: gluten”
- “Manufactured on the same line as peanuts”
You can read more about this from Coeliac Australia.
Why Do Manufacturers Use “May Contain”?
Food suppliers add “May Contain” as a caution when their production facilities handle multiple allergens. It doesn’t mean the allergen is in the recipe – just that there is a risk of cross-contact during manufacturing.
The Food Standards Code does not regulate “May Contain” statements. They are voluntary, so companies decide whether or not to include them.
Some argue PAL is overused, leading families to unnecessarily avoid safe foods. Ultimately, each person needs to use their own discretion and, where possible, check with the manufacturer.
Beyond Labels: Dining Out Safely
Cross-contamination risks aren’t limited to packaged food. They can happen in cafés, takeaways, and restaurants too. Common risks include:
- Sharing utensils or fryers
- Preparing allergen and non-allergen foods in the same space
- Storing ingredients together without separation
To stay safe, ask:
- Do they have an allergen matrix available?
- Are there dedicated prep areas?
- Do staff wear gloves and use separate tools?
How We Handle Allergens at No Moo 4U
At No Moo 4U Rockhampton, we take food safety seriously. That’s why we have:
- A detailed ingredients register
- A clear allergen matrix
- Ongoing staff training to prevent cross-contamination
Our goal is to make sure every scoop is safe, inclusive, and worry-free.
