VITAL® 4.0 – Here is what you need to know
FACTS is excited to announce that in August 2024, the Allergen Bureau launched the new and improved VITAL® 4.0!
VITAL® is a science-based risk-assessment tool developed to aid members of the food industry in determining whether their products need to carry allergen precautionary-labelling statements. The tool considers many factors, including contamination of raw materials on supplier site, contamination on manufacturer sites, product formulation, and consumer consumption patterns; then it compares this data to established Reference Doses to calculate the need for precautionary labelling.
VITAL® Then and Now
The first VITAL® Program version debuted in June 2007, in Australia and New Zealand. The science supporting the program was reviewed by the VITAL® Scientific Expert Panel (VSEP), an independently-formed expert group. In 2019 the VSEP completed major review of the underpinning science of the program, and version 3.0 was released.
The VITAL® Program and tools are updated from time to time as allergen-related scientific knowledge increases. Starting Tuesday, August 13th, the VITAL® 4.0 will become available. The most prominent change is the shift from ED01 reference doses to ED05 reference doses. This change follows the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation’s recommendations to Codex and extensive stakeholder consultation.
FACTS are the only endorsed VITAL® trainers based in Africa, and can assist with providing training on VITAL® 4.0 and the changes made to VITAL® Online, as developed by the Allergen Bureau.
Feel free to contact us if you require any assistance or training.
Enjoy exploring the updated tool!
Other articles you may be interested in:
Allergen Precautionary Labelling: VITAL®
Allergen Bureau – Partners for best-practice allergen management