Final answer:
Food items prepared on site containing major allergens must be labeled to indicate these allergens, to comply with food safety regulations and protect individuals with allergies. If a prepared salad dressing contains egg and mustard, it must clearly state these allergens on the label. Cross-contamination warnings are also important for shared facility processing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Any food item prepped on site that contains a major allergen must be clearly labeled to indicate this. Major food allergens include items such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and common dietary triggers like mustard and celery. Food businesses must follow this practice to comply with food safety regulations and help protect individuals with food allergies.
For instance, if a kitchen prepares a salad dressing that contains egg and mustard, the label must reflect these ingredients, often with a statement like 'Contains Egg & Mustard'. This is to inform consumers about potential allergens that could cause allergic reactions. Additionally, if a food is made in a facility that processes other allergens such as gluten, milk, soy, etc., it is good practice to also include a cross-contamination warning.
It is crucial for consumers, especially those with food allergies or intolerances, to be aware of what is in their food. Moreover, accurate labeling can also help track if a particular food item is associated with an outbreak of food-borne illness, as it allows for easier identification of potential sources of contamination.