What "may contain" means
Short answer. "May contain" warns about possible cross-contact in production. EU law does not require it and sets no threshold for it. If you have an allergy, treat "may contain" as a real warning.
What it is
Many factories make several products on the same lines, and small amounts of an allergen can pass from one product to another. Producers often add a warning such as "may contain traces of nuts" or "produced in a facility that also handles milk".
What the rules say
- EU law requires highlighting of allergens that are ingredients. It does not require the "may contain" text.
- There is no standard wording: "may contain", "traces of" and "produced in a facility with" all appear.
- There is no fixed threshold, so the text does not tell you how much allergen is present.
- The warning cannot replace the ingredient list. If the allergen is in the recipe, it must be in the list and highlighted.
- National practice differs. Some Member States and industry schemes ask producers to base the warning on a risk assessment.
In practice
- A missing "may contain" is not a guarantee. Producers may leave the text out.
- A warning is a signal. For a severe allergy, ask your doctor how to handle such products. Some people avoid them. Others accept some of them.
- Look at the allergen, not the wording: "traces of milk" and "may contain milk" carry the same message.
What IngrediScan does
The app tags a "may contain" entry as Trace and keeps it apart from allergens that are ingredients. If the allergen is in your profile, the app shows it. With an allergy, treat the entry as present.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers
- European Commission: food allergen labelling
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.