Your Glass of Wine May Contain More than Just Grapes

Many people may not be aware that when drinking their favorite glass of wine, they may also be drinking trace amounts of milk, egg and fish proteins. But soon, if federal officials get their way, bottles of wine will contain warning labels about the types of potentially allergenic foods they may contain.

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 states that all foods, which now includes alcoholic beverages, must be labeled if they contain one of eight designated common food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts and soybeans. This is all in an attempt to protect the ever-growing population of food-allergic people. Food allergies result in 30,000 emergency room visits annually in the U.S., and at least 150 deaths.

As an allergist, I'm all for the protection of my food allergic patients, and feel that everyone should know what they are eating when purchasing packaged foods. On the other hand, I'd rather not know that my favorite glass of Cabernet contains fish proteins.

Find out more about food allergies.