A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system erroneously diagnoses a particular food as toxic. The immune system then reacts as it would to a toxic substance, with symptoms including, but not limited to, diarrhea and vomiting; skin irritations such as rashes, hives and eczema; and sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath, and occasionally shock. Food sensitivities or intolerance, which are more common than allergies, are averse reactions to foods but do not trigger the immune system. Although uncomfortable, they are rarely life-threatening in the ways food allergies can be.

We at Applegate Farms receive many e-mails and phone calls regarding the presence or absence of allergens in our natural meat products. As a conscientious natural foods company, we have created this sheet as a service to our customers who are concerned about soy, gluten, or other allergenic ingredients in our meat.

According to the Food Allergy Network, the most common food allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, wheat, and soybeans. At the present time, our meat products, such as our deli meats, bacon and hot dogs, do not contain any of these things. We do have a few breaded products in our line. However, in all cases, these ingredients are clearly referenced on the label. Our customers have also expressed concern about MSG and fluoride content in our meat, and we're proud to say that our products are free from these substances. We understand that sufferers of food allergies and sensitivities are wary of a label containing "natural flavors," and pledge that we will never hide any known potential allergen behind this label. We have a few products that contain gluten: antibiotic-free chicken nuggets, chicken strips and chicken pot pie. Besides these, all other products are gluten-free, as defined by fewer than 20ppm/serving.

Our production facilities also produce products that do contain allergens such as milk, wheat and soy. Our facilities follow strict food safety protocols that are also overseen by the USDA, which, are designed to prevent cross-contamination. This includes timing production so Applegate products are the first run of the day, physical separation of products at all times, and thoroughly sanitizing all machinery in contact with products between each run.

We encourage all people who suffer from a food allergy, or who think they may, to consult a board-certified physician specializing in allergies. Good resources of general information also exist on the Web and in libraries. We recommend that consumers consult The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and read the publications of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.