From 2005-2015 there has been a sustained increase of recalls of FSIS regulated products for undeclared allergens. Over the last 10 years undeclared allergens has been the Number 1 reason for FSIS recalls. In the U.S. the Big Eight Allergens are; wheat, eggs, fish, peanuts, milk, crustacean shellfish (e.g. shrimp, crab, lobster), tree nuts (e.g. almonds, pecans, walnuts) and soybeans. Reaction to allergens can vary from mild to sudden and severe. Approximately 12 million pounds of meat products were recalled from 2005-2014 due to undeclared allergens.
In the November 2015 FSIS Compliance Guidelines on allergens three key areas that plants should focus on relative to allergens are identified.