Dangers of Mislabeled Food

Mislabeled food is more than just an inconvenience—it poses real dangers to public health and consumer trust. When food products contain undeclared allergens, incorrect ingredients, or misleading nutritional information, they can cause life-threatening consequences.

Food Allergy Death

One of the most alarming consequences of mislabeled food is the risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Millions of people suffer from food allergies, with common allergens including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Even small traces of these allergens can trigger life-threatening symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, and shock.

For example, if a food product contains peanuts but does not list them on the label, an unsuspecting consumer with a peanut allergy could experience a fatal reaction. A mislabeling incident in 2024 resulted in a 25-year-old dancer’s death after she consumed a cookie purchased from Stew Leonard’s supermarket in Connecticut. The cookie contained peanuts, which were not declared on the label, leading to a fatal allergic reaction.

What Causes Mislabeling?

Food mislabeling can occur due to various reasons, and most commonly due to:

Manufacturing Mistakes

Errors in packaging and labeling can occur when a food manufacturer fails to update labels after altering a product’s ingredients.

Cross-Contamination

If proper cleaning procedures are not followed between production runs, traces of allergens can be transferred to supposedly allergen-free products.

Intentional Fraud

Some companies deliberately mislabel food to increase profits, such as selling cheaper fish under more expensive names or falsely labeling conventional products as organic.

Regulatory Loopholes

In some cases, unclear food labeling regulations allow manufacturers to use misleading terms. For example, terms like “natural” or “sugar-free” can sometimes be deceptive.

How to Prevent Mislabeling

To protect public health and prevent financial losses, food producers must implement stringent quality control measures. The following steps can help reduce the risks associated with mislabeled food:

• Strict Label Verification: Food companies should conduct thorough inspections to ensure that packaging and labels are accurate before products reach consumers.
• Regular Allergen Testing: Manufacturers must test products for allergens that are not supposed to be present, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
• Employee Training: Workers involved in food processing and packaging should be properly trained to follow labeling regulations and prevent errors.

Regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should continue enforcing strict food labeling laws and conducting inspections to identify mislabeled products. Companies found violating labeling laws should face penalties and recalls.

Liability for Mislabeled Food

When food mislabeling leads to illness, allergic reactions, or financial loss, companies can be held legally responsible. Food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a duty to ensure accurate labeling and disclose all ingredients. Victims of food mislabeling incidents can pursue legal claims for:

Medical Expenses

If a mislabeled product causes an allergic reaction or illness, you can seek compensation for hospital bills and treatment costs.

Lost Wages

If you are unable to work you can recover lost income.

Pain and Suffering

Consumers who suffer severe reactions or emotional distress due to mislabeled food can seek compensation for their hardship.

Consumer Fraud Damages

In cases where mislabeling is intentional, victims can file lawsuits for deceptive business practices.

An experienced Food Allergy Lawyer can help victims gather evidence, file claims, and hold negligent companies accountable. Lawsuits not only provide financial relief but also push companies to implement stricter safety measures to prevent future incidents.

To discuss your legal options in a free consultation, call (833) 330-3663 or message the Lange Law Firm, PLLC today.