Glossary

May contain

A precautionary allergen statement about possible unintended presence, not a list of ingredients used.

Reviewed 22 September 2026 against official guidance.SourcesNot legal advice.

In practice

“May contain” does not replace declaring allergens that are actual ingredients.

On LabelClear we keep this definition tight so every guide uses the same meaning. If your situation is unusual, check with your local authority.

Can “may contain milk” replace listing butter?

No. Butter is an intentional ingredient — milk must appear in the ingredients list with emphasis.

When should I use “may contain”?

Only when a real cross-contamination risk remains after controls — never as a blanket disclaimer on every product.

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