State Food Safety Practice Exam

Which of the following would not be considered a major food allergen?

1. Peanuts

2. Wheat

3. Milk

4. Rice

The correct answer is: Rice

The choice of rice as the answer is correct because rice is not classified as a major food allergen in the United States. The major food allergens, according to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. These allergens are known to cause the majority of allergic reactions and must be clearly labeled on food packaging. Rice, while it can cause allergic reactions in rare cases, is not identified as a common allergen associated with significant health risks for most individuals in the population. Therefore, it is not included in the list of major food allergens that food manufacturers must strictly adhere to in labeling. The other options—peanuts, wheat, and milk—are well-known allergens and are frequently included in allergen awareness training and food labeling initiatives because they pose serious health risks to allergic individuals. This distinction highlights the importance of recognizing and properly labeling foods that contain these major allergens to ensure consumer safety.