Confidence in allergen testing

New member-funded research will address the issue of confidence in food allergen testing results, and so help companies give meaningful and helpful allergen warning information to consumers.

The publication of food allergen reference doses and the resultant ability to calculate action levels to aid decisions on the need to apply precautionary ("may contain") labelling to food products is an eagerly anticipated development in food allergen management. Although guidance states that food businesses should not rely solely on results of allergen testing to make this decision, analysis remains an integral part of allergen management. It is important therefore that food businesses have confidence in the results of allergen tests. This new work will help provide that confidence, aiding companies with decisions based on food allergen action levels.

Labelling legislation

The Food Information to Consumers Regulation, which comes into full swing later this year, includes measures which will supersede current allergen labelling legislation. One of the fundamental changes is the introduction of the requirement to provide information on the allergen content of foods sold loose and in catering situations. As well as the information on analysis, the project will further support catering establishments by providing guidance on management of food allergens.

Helen Arrowsmith
+44(0)1386 842240
helen.arrowsmith@campdenbri.co.uk