The disconnect is sparking calls for standards on what are now voluntary warning labels. To seek advice from consumers and food makers, perhaps by year’s end, before considering whether to intervene the Food and Drug Administration plans

The industry’s Grocery Manufacturers/Food Products Association already is preparing to update its own guidelines on when foods should carry the warnings. For the seriously allergic, “I’ve characterized it as akin to playing Russian roulette with a really big gun that has 100 chambers and only one bullet. Sooner or later if you eat these products, you’re going to eat the wrong one,” he said.

‘Food allergy’ About 12 million Americans is facing . Severe food allergies trigger 30,000 emergency room visits a year, and 150 to 200 deaths a year. Genrally food labels help the allergic avoid ingredients that could sicken them.

A law that took effect last year requires foods that intentionally contain highly allergenic ingredients such as peanuts, shellfish or eggs to disclose that in plain language.