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Check the full ingredient statement for names that labeling rules specifically associate with insect-derived ingredients. In U.S. packaged foods, look for carmine or cochineal extract. In the European Union, authorized insect foods may be identified by species and form, such as Acheta domesticus (house cricket), Locusta migratoria (migratory locust), or Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm). The wording and any allergy notice depend on the product and the market where it is sold.
How to check an ingredient label
- Read the full ingredient statement. For a packaged food sold in the United States, scan for “carmine” and “cochineal extract.” FDA guidance says each must be listed by its respective common or usual name when used as a color additive; the label does not have to say “insect-derived.” Look for either term rather than assuming both will appear. FDA’s compliance guide explains the naming requirement.
- Look for species and form names where EU rules apply. Authorized insect novel foods can be labeled with a species name and a form-specific designation. Examples include house cricket, migratory locust, and yellow mealworm. The EU Union list of novel foods specifies the applicable designations.
- Read any allergy notice next to the ingredients. Some EU authorizations require a nearby warning for consumers with particular allergies. Which groups are named depends on the ingredient and its authorization.
- Check the rules for the country where the food is sold. U.S. and EU examples are not interchangeable, and they do not establish a worldwide list of label terms.
Names to recognize—and what they mean
| Label wording | What it refers to | Where the cited rule applies |
|---|---|---|
| Carmine | FDA identifies it as an insect-derived color additive that must be declared by name when present. FDA’s ingredient database also lists “carmine” and “cochineal extract lake” among names associated with the ingredient. | U.S. food labeling. FDA compliance guide; FDA color-additive information. |
| Cochineal extract | FDA identifies it as insect-derived and requires its common or usual name on the label when present as a color additive. | U.S. food labeling. FDA compliance guide. |
| Acheta domesticus (house cricket) | EU-authorized insect food; the prescribed designation depends on the form. Partially defatted powder has a specific designation and allergy-warning condition. | EU Union list and the 2023 authorization. EU Union list; Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/5. |
| Locusta migratoria (migratory locust) | EU-authorized insect food with a form-specific designation in the Union list. | EU Union list. EU Union list. |
| Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm) | EU-authorized insect food with form-specific designations for yellow mealworm products. | EU Union list. EU Union list. |
Do not infer insect origin from every unfamiliar additive or color name. The cited rules establish specific names and requirements, not a complete dictionary of ingredients that could be insect-derived.
What the allergy notices tell you
FDA says cochineal extract and carmine are derived from insects and have been identified as allergenic substances that must be declared on food labels. Its general food-allergy guidance advises people with food allergies to read labels.
EU authorization conditions for some insect novel foods require an allergy statement near the ingredient list. For example, the 2023 authorization for partially defatted house cricket powder requires a statement that the ingredient may cause reactions in consumers with known allergies to crustaceans, molluscs and products thereof, and dust mites. Other insect ingredients can have different conditions; consult the applicable entry in the current EU Union list.
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5Strands Food Intolerance Test for Adults & Kids, 800 Items Tested
- IDENTIFY WHICH FOODS MAY BE CAUSING YOUR SYMPTOMS. Food intolerances happen when your gut microbiome and digestive enzymes can’t break down a food ingredient. Although gluten and lactose are the most common issues, intolerances can happen with any food item. When these intolerances go unchecked, symptoms like headaches, gas, diarrhea, acne, and bloating may develop.
- TESTS 800 COMMON FOOD ITEMS. Our food intolerance test for adults and children covers 14 major food categories: dairy, vegetables, fruits, grains, meats, seafood, nuts, sweeteners, spices, fats, oils, mushrooms, superfoods, and preservatives.
- HOW IT WORKS. (1) Register your test kit on the 5Strands website or mobile app (2) Collect 10-15 strands of hair. (3) Send your sample to our certified lab using the included prepaid shipping materials. (4) Once your sample is received, we’ll email you the results within 4 days. After 60 days, your hair sample will be permanently disposed of.
- EASY TO READ RESULTS. Each food item is labeled as Insignificant, Mild, Moderate, or Severe to help guide your elimination plan. This gives you clear directions to begin removing severe intolerance foods, moderate your intake of mid-level triggers, and keep safe foods in rotation to support gut health, digestion, and symptom relief.
- 3RD PARTY STUDIED & DOCTOR RECOMMENDED. 5Strands is the only intolerance and sensitivity test independently validated through third-party research. Every sample is processed in our certified U.S. lab using a double-pass method for accurate results, and our testing has helped over 345,000 people and pets uncover their food intolerances and environmental sensitivities.
If you have an allergy, use the exact package label and seek advice from an appropriately qualified clinician. The label rules do not assess an individual’s medical risk.
What an ingredient list can—and cannot—confirm
A label tells you what the manufacturer declares under the rules for that market. It is not a laboratory test: reading it cannot independently verify that the declaration is complete, confirm manufacturing controls, or reveal undeclared cross-contact. The cited labeling rules explain required declarations; they do not provide a consumer method for detecting undeclared ingredients.
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AFIL Food Sensitivity Test kit - 1000+ Foods, Drinks, Vitamins & Gut Health | At-Home Wellness Food Intolerance Test Kits for Adults & Kids - Non-Invasive Wellness Indicator | 1000+ Items Premium
- AT-HOME KIT: One small hair sample. 1,000+ everyday items. A fast, non-invasive way to explore possible wellness signals related to foods, drinks, nutrients, household items, and general gut-wellness factors—right from home.
- WHY PEOPLE LOVE THIS: If you’ve ever been told “you’re fine” but don’t feel it, this may be your next wellness tool. Your interactive report highlights indicators and wellness connections that may help you understand what’s supporting you—and what may be holding you back.
- 3 STEPS. ZERO STRESS: 1. Register – Activate your kit in your customer portal. 2. Collect – Snip 10 strands of hair. 3. Mail – Use the prepaid return envelope included. Simple, fast, and designed for at-home convenience. Colored, body or facial hair accepted.
- 72 HOUR WELLNESS INSIGHT REPORT: Receive clear, color-coded wellness insights uploaded to your portal within 72 hours of sample receipt. Your interactive clickable report makes it easy to click and learn more about each item.
- NOT A BIG TECH LAB. A FAMILY-RUN WELLNESS BRAND: We’re family-owned—not a data giant. Independently recognized to ISO/IEC 27001 for data protection. Your data is private and never sold. Trusted and used by holistic, chiropractic, and functional wellness professionals as a complementary tool to support everyday wellness conversations
When comparing two products, compare their exact ingredient wording, the country or market for which each label is intended, the insect species and form if named, and any adjacent allergy notice. Those differences help you interpret the labels; they do not establish which product is safer or better.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which rules apply?
The U.S. examples above come from FDA guidance issued in April 2009 explaining a rule effective January 5, 2011; FDA’s food-allergy Q&A is the fifth edition, dated January 2025. The EU examples come from the consolidated Union list versioned August 20, 2025, whose entries can be amended. For products sold elsewhere—or when a particular ingredient is not covered by these examples—check the local regulator’s current labeling rules.
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UCARI Pet Intolerances Insight Kit | Fur Analysis for Dogs & Cats | Screens 1100+ Intolerances: Foods, Ingredients, Nutritional & Environmental Items & Pet Care Products | At-Home Fur Sample Test Kit
- 1100+ ITEM PET INTOLERANCE AT-HOME FUR SAMPLE INSIGHT KIT - Explore personalized pet intolerance insights to over 1100 foods, ingredients, nutritional items, environmental items, and pet care products. Designed to help pet owners better understand and organize ingredient-related information.
- FOODS AND INGREDIENTS, NUTRITIONAL ITEMS, ENVIRONMENTAL ITEMS & PET CARE PRODUCTS - Comprehensive reporting includes foods, ingredients, environmental factors, nutritional components, additives, and common pet care items, providing a broad overview in one easy-to-use system.
- RESULTS READY WITHIN 2 BUSINESS DAYS OF RECEIVING YOUR SAMPLE - Our test kit delivers accurate, easy-to-read, color-coded results, helping you understand how your pet’s diet and lifestyle may be affecting their quality of life by identifying potential intolerances and sensitivities. Move from uncertainty to informed decisions quickly once you receive your pet's results.
- VETERINARIAN-APPROVED WITHOUT A VISIT - Our painless, non-invasive, and affordable at-home testing solutions are backed by veterinary professionals. With no vet visits, waiting rooms, needles, or additional costs, you can easily perform our intolerance test on your dog or cat from the comfort of your home.
- ALL-IN-ONE DIGITAL RESULTS DASHBOARD - Access your personalized digital report and available Ingredient Checker in one convenient online dashboard. With the add-on option of our Ingredient Checker, you can search for ingredients, compare pet food formulas, and make more informed decisions every day with confidence.
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5Strands Food & Beverage Intolerance Test with 1030 Items Tested
- IDENTIFY WHAT FOODS & DRINKS MAY BE CAUSING INTOLERANCE SYMPTOMS. Gluten and lactose intolerances occur when the digestive system struggles to process foods within those categories like milk and bread, but these intolerances can happen with any food or drink too. If your food intolerances aren’t handled properly, symptoms like acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, and weight gain can occur.
- TESTS 1030 FOOD & BEVERAGE ITEMS. Your hair sample is compared against 30 food and drink categories, including acidity regulators, anti-caking agents, beverages, dairy, emulsifiers, fats, flavor enhancers, food dyes, fruits, grains, herbs, legumes, modified starches, mushrooms, nuts, preservatives, processing aids, proteins, seafood, seasonings, spices, stabilizers, superfoods, sweeteners, thickeners, and vegetables.
- NON-INVASIVE HAIR SAMPLE COLLECTION WITH FAST RESULTS. 1) Register your test kit on our 5Strands website or mobile app. 2) Collect 10-15 strands of hair from anywhere on your body. 3) Mail the sample to our certified U.S. lab with the included shipping materials. 4) We’ll send the results to your email and mobile app within 4 days of receiving your hair sample.
- CLEAR ANSWERS TO START AN ELIMINATION DIET. Each food item is categorized by 4 response levels so you have a concrete starting point to eliminate trigger foods, consume mid-level food triggers in moderation, and keep safe-listed foods in your current diet. Consistent implementation of your results gives your gut microbiome the space to rebalance, promoting proper digestion while alleviating symptoms.
- INDEPENDENTLY VALIDATED & PHYSICIAN RECOMMENDED. 5Strands is the only food intolerance test of its kind supported by independent third-party research. Every sample goes through a double-pass process in our U.S. lab to ensure accuracy, and our testing has helped over 345,000 people and pets uncover their food intolerances.
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5Strands Food Intolerance & Environmental Sensitivity Test for All Ages
- UNCOVER FOOD INTOLERANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES CAUSING GUT & SKIN ISSUES. Symptoms like fatigue, acne breakouts, gas, diarrhea, and headaches are most likely not random or allergy-related - they’re often caused by hidden food intolerances and environmental sensitivities. Food intolerances occur when the gut microbiome can’t digest an ingredient correctly, and environmental sensitivities develop when your body has a negative response when exposed to specific items in your indoor and outdoor environment. Testing is the only way to pinpoint specific dietary and lifestyle triggers so you’re not left guessing.
- TESTS 658 FOODS & 282 ENVIRONMENTAL ITEMS. Your hair sample is tested against key food categories including dairy, veggies, fruits, grains, meats, seafood, nuts, sweeteners, spices, fats, oils, mushrooms, superfoods, drinks, and preservatives. It’s also tested against indoor and outdoor items including animals, grasses, trees, flowers, mold, pollen, chemicals, fabrics, insects, and lotions.
- HOW IT WORKS: 3 EASY STEPS. 1) Register your hair analysis test on the 5Strands website or mobile app. 2) Collect 10-15 strands of hair from anywhere on your body. 3) Send it to our lab using the included prepaid shipping materials. 3) Results will be emailed or sent to the mobile app dashboard within 4 days of receiving your sample.
- MAKE TARGETED DIET & LIFESTYLE CHANGES WITH YOUR RESULTS. Each item is placed into one of four severity levels, helping you understand which items are safe , and what to reduce, remove, and use in moderation. This establishes a defined list of items to begin a proactive elimination plan.
- TRUSTED BY HOLISTIC HEALTH EXPERTS WORLDWIDE. Independent 3rd-party research has verified the benefits of our intolerance and sensitivity testing for adults and children. Every sample is processed in our certified U.S. laboratory and analyzed twice to ensure consistent results. Our at-home tests have helped more than 345,000 people and pets identify their food triggers and environmental stressors.
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