What about "Hydrolyzed Proteins?"

I received the following question from a reader last week:

Do you allow Tyler to eat foods with "hydrolyzed proteins?"

I have read on a couple sites to avoid all items w/the hydrolyzed proteins since there is a relationship w/peanuts. We have avoided all of them.

I have asked FAAN about this, but they said there are different types and to read labels for peanut proteins, however, I was confused when I saw it on other sites to avoid all hydrolyzed.

Just curious for your thoughts...

This is a great question and not the first time I have received it since this blog started this past summer.

To answer it simply: yes, I do allow Tyler to eat things with hydrolyzed proteins. The reason I do is because companies are required by law to state if there is in fact a peanut protein in any generic term like "hydrolyzed protein."

The law that requires this labeling, The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), states:

...Such ingredients must be listed if they are present in any amount, even in colors, flavors, or spice blends. Additionally, manufacturers must list the specific nut (e.g., almond, walnut, cashew) or seafood (e.g., tuna, salmon, shrimp, lobster) that is used...

With that said, we only avoid nuts in our home. Approximately 20% of those with a peanut allergy also have an allergy to at least one other legume (peas, green beans, etc). If you even suspect this might be an issue with your PA kid, then I would advise avoiding anything with "hydrolyzed protein" simply because the FALCPA law only requires the labeling of the top 8 allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, fish, seafood, wheat, and soy). If there is a legume other than peanut, there would be no way of knowing outside of contacting the manufacturer.

The information you are reading that says to avoid all ""hydrolyzed protein" is probably based on information prior to January 1, 2006 when FALCPA when into effect.

This is all within each parent's comfort level but, for Tyler, I do allow him to eat these products if peanut is not listed (and provided there are no possible cross contamination issues.)

Thanks for the question. That one is a sticky one. You are best to avoid something you are not sure about until you are completely sure it is safe. I hope I have helped you feel a little more comfortable.