Allergen News ǀ What you may have missed in 2021
The year 2021 was one of transition, and of coming to grips with the practical implications of the ‘new normal’ that COVID-19 has brought about. The overall impact of the outbreak and of the resulting emergency measures were still to be seen in lingering supply-chain logistics issues, travel bans, and political conflicts. However, individuals and businesses started to shape their futures again, rather than just grinding through the present.
Although there is no returning to normal after the pandemic – not yet, anyway – there is definitely a path forwards. We would like to reflect on some of the noteworthy events of 2021 that occurred in the field of Allergen Management, both globally and locally.
The FACTS Laboratory achieves accreditation for the Targeted Proteomics (by LC-MS/MS) testing method
Our pursuit to implement the most up-to-date practices and technologies for allergen detection has led us to adopt the Targeted Proteomics (by LC-MS/MS) allergen detection method. The FACTS laboratory team worked diligently to optimise, validate and achieve SANAS accreditation in 2021 for the Targeted Proteomics (by LC-MS/MS) testing method for allergen detection. FACTS is one of only a few laboratories internationally that use LC-MS/MS, ELISA and PCR to routinely test for allergens, and one of an even smaller group of laboratories that are accredited for all three methods. Have a look at our certificate and schedule of accreditation.
Sesame added to the United States legislation allergen list
On 23 April 2021, the US’s President Biden signed the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act into law. The FASTER act adds sesame to the priority allergen labelling list in the United States, to join the existing ‘Big Eight’ major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soy). This means that by 1 January 2023, all regulated packaged foods containing sesame, or an ingredient that contains protein derived from sesame, must be clearly labelled as such.
Natasha’s law in effect for pre-packed direct sales (PPDS) foods
Natasha’s law came into effect on 1 October 2021, after an amendment to the EU Food Information to Consumers Regulations (EU FIC) was introduced. Following a two-year transition period granted to companies, food businesses and restaurants in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are now required to comply with the changes brought about by the legislation. The law requires food businesses to provide full ingredient lists and allergen labelling on pre-packed direct sales (PPDS) foods. PPDS foods are items that are fully or partially encased by packaging; that cannot be modified without opening or changing the packaging; and that are packed, shelved, and ready for sale at the same premises where they are manufactured.
Ad hoc Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation series of three meetings on Risk Assessment of Food Allergens
Since the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) global guidance on food allergen labelling was published in 1999, there has been great advancement and many developments in the understanding of food allergies. For this reason, the CAC embarked on a journey to update its guidance documents pertaining to the labelling and management of food allergens. The expert panel organised their work in three phases during 2021, addressing one key aspect per phase.
Meeting 1: Review and validation of Codex priority allergen list through risk assessment (November-December 2020)
For the full summary report, please click here.
Meeting 2: Review and establishment of threshold levels in foods of the priority allergens (March-April 2021)
For the full summary report, please click here.
Meeting 3: Review and evaluation of the evidence in support of precautionary labelling (October 2021)
For the full summary report, please click here.
The Allergen Bureau launched a revised and updated 2021 version of 2011’s Unexpected Allergens in Food
In January 2021, the Allergen Bureau launched a revised and updated version of the Unexpected Allergens in Food guidance document. The document provides the food industry with a list of foods, ingredients and raw materials that may unexpectedly contain allergens. It also provides food business operators with questions that they can ask their suppliers to support their allergen risk-review process. Who would have thought that meat products should be checked for gluten (potentially hiding in a binding agent)?
Why should you care about what happens in other countries?
It is always important to keep the global perspective in mind – especially if you export your product to other regions or import ingredients, but also because global events are often a catalyst for change in local regulations.
We will keep you up to date with all the important allergen management news.
Other articles you may be interested in:
NATASHA’S LAW now in effect for pre-packed direct sales foods,
Sesame seed added to USA list of allergens,
Targeted Proteomics by LC-MS/MS,
Codex Expert panel recommendations on food allergen labelling,
Targeted proteomics: a go-to-method