I don't believe the claim that doing this wouldn't effect prices. Companies would have to perform hundreds of tests on every batch of product.
Maybe instead researchers could make home test kits, so that consumers could do their own testing. This would allow people to not only eat factory-packed food, but food from around the world that is not as conveniently labeled. Or food at potluck events or vendor stalls.
@arstechnica Echoes of labels warning not to use a hair dryer in the bath - cheaper to slap a warning than risk liability.
But food over-labeling is more than just a source of amusement - it truly limits options for those with allergies.
Setting a threshold that protects 95% of those with allergies is a great idea, but you see the corporate response - deliberately adding needless allergens to food so they can list them and shield themselves from potential lawsuits.
@arstechnica Can’t wait for the real regulation. Right now they all list everything just to avoid getting sued. So far it has been a trial and error, where every error is life threatening.
@arstechnica CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65: This article contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and other reproductive harm.