A research team at the University of Stuttgart is seeking to improve the methods used to screen for allergens primarily through the use of mass spectrometry (MS) and has developed a new workflow for allergen testing that delivers results quickly and efficiently.
At the Food Safety Consortium in October, Steven Gendel, principal of Gendel Food Safety and former FDA Food Allergen Coordinator, offered guidance on when and how allergen advisory—also known as precautionary—labels should be used by food companies.
Undeclared allergens are the leading cause of food and beverage recalls. While government regulations aim to protect individuals with food allergies by requiring food labels to disclose ingredients, the fast-paced and ever-changing landscape of food regulation creates opportunities for risks such as allergen cross-contact. By developing an Allergen Management Program, businesses can lessen the risk of costly contaminations, recalls and reputational damage.
Step into the lawyer’s kitchen with food attorney Jennifer Allen, Partner at Zwillinger Wulkan, as she breaks down FDA food labeling requirements for allergens.
It’s nearly impossible to talk about food safety without referencing validation—and for good reason!
On-site and third-party allergen testing is an important part of FALCPA and FSMA compliance, but allergen test kits are not one-size-fits-all. Knowing the challenges of your matrices can help you make informed decisions about the products and services to include in your allergen control plan.
A review of specific and non-specific tests most commonly used methods for determining the presence of allergenic foods.
Take your food allergen control plan further by establishing cleaning validation and verification procedures.
From processing to sanitation to testing to educating employees, allergen control is a holistic process that will help prevent recalls, protect consumers and safeguard your brand.
With allergies becoming an increasing health problem globally, the need to have an allergen control plan has never been more critical.
