Allergen News | What you may have missed in 2020
2020 was simultaneously both a long and a short year. We were bombarded with new information on SARS-CoV-2, almost on a daily basis. Our year was spent trying to come to grips with the practical implications of lockdown regulations, physical distancing, and the impact of the pandemic on a local and global scale.
But while we were focused on the pandemic, among other things, two key strides were made in the field of allergen management.
Codex adopted a code of practice on food allergen management for food business operators
In October, in its first-ever virtual meeting, Codex adopted the long awaited ‘Code of practice on food allergen management for food business operators’.
The document provides guidance on how to proactively manage allergens through the whole supply chain.
Click here to download the code of practice.
UK FSA updated its allergen-labelling guidance
In 2016, tragically, teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died when after suffering an allergic reaction to sesame in a baguette purchased from a sandwich shop. The incident resulted in amendments to the UK’s allergen-labelling requirements. These amendments take effect on 1 October 2021. The new guidelines require that all food pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) must bear a label with an ingredients list; and if the food contains any of the 14 legislated allergens, these must be clearly listed on the label.
The guidance document was developed to help the UK industry apply the amended regulations correctly.
Click here to download the guidance document, and here to view a helpful YouTube video on the subject.
VITAL® reference doses were amended
Technically, this happened in 2019; but it resulted in a risk assessment review in 2020. At the end of 2019, the Allergen Bureau launched VITAL® 3.0. This included the introduction of new reference doses.
Why should you care about what happens in other countries?
It’s always important to keep the global perspective in mind – particularly if you export your product to other territories, but also because global events are often a catalyst for change in local regulations.
We will keep you up to date with all the noteworthy allergen management news.