Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labeling (VITAL)

Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labeling (VITAL) is a system used by food manufacturers to manage and communicate allergen risks. It helps determine whether tiny traces of allergens—such as gluten, nuts, or dairy—are present due to shared equipment or cross-contact during production. If trace levels are considered safe and unlikely to cause reactions, companies may opt not to include allergen warnings, but they must assess and document this risk. VITAL provides a standardized approach to identifying potential allergen cross-contact, promoting transparency and safety for individuals with food allergies.