What “Nut-Free Facility” Really Means — And Why It Matters

If you're navigating food allergies, label language can feel confusing. What’s the difference between “nut-free,” “made in a nut-free facility,” or “may contain nuts”? Here’s a quick guide to help you shop smarter and more confidently.

• Nut-Free Product – The product doesn’t contain any peanut or tree nut ingredients.
• Made in a Nut-Free Facility – The facility does not allow any peanuts or tree nuts on-site. This is the gold standard for allergy safety.
• Made on Shared Equipment – The product may be made on the same machines used for nut-containing products, increasing the risk of cross-contact.
• May Contain Nuts – Used when there’s a risk of accidental contamination during manufacturing, even if nuts aren’t listed in the ingredients.