I'm unclear about whether it is legally permitted for "natural flavorings" to
include milk or whey. I have no problem with casein. In reading the labels on
several bags and boxes of hard candies, some listed the dreaded whey, but
others listed "natural flavoring". Anybody know the answer to this? Thanks!
                                                                    Marian

Lynda Mitchell wrote (excerpt follows)

> USDA regs, which cover meat products, are not quite as stringent as FDA =
> regs, and things like natural flavors may
>  include dairy derivatives but may not be listed on the label as such. =
>  Meat companies may voluntarily add the information.
>  I did call Oscar Mayer recently, for instance, to inquire about their =
> products with natural flavorings, and was told that if
> the natural flavoring is derived from milk, then the milk derivative will=
>  be listed as an additional ingredient on the label.
>
> In the booklet, "Understanding Food Labels" by the Food Allergy Network, =
>  there is this statement regarding "non-dairy"
>  products:  "Because of a loophole in food labeling laws, casein or casei=
> nates are considered additives even though
> they are milk derivatives.  Therefore, foods that contain these ingredien=
> ts can legally be advertised as non-dairy products.
>  However, casein comes from milk, is one of the major milk allergens, and=
>  will cause a reaction in most people with milk
>  allergy.  The new food label regulations require that casein be identifi=
> ed as a milk derivative.  You may see ingredient
>  statements that read, "casein (a milk derivative)"  Unfortunately, the =
> front of the package may still advertise the product
>  as non-dairy".
>
> The booklet "Understanding Food Labels" is available for purchase at a =
> nominal fee through the Food Allergy Network,
>  its web address is www.foodallergy.org
>
> Lynda