Navigating Food Allergen Labeling Requirements - A Step-by-Step Approach

1. Navigating Food Allergen Labeling Requirements: A Step-by-Step Approach Food allergen labeling is one of the most important aspects of food safety and consumer protection. With food allergies a?ecting millions of people worldwide, it’s essential for food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants to ensure their products are properly labeled to protect consumers. Navigating food allergen labeling requirements can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with the right guidance, it becomes much more manageable. This step-by-step approach will help you understand the requirements and ensure your labels are compliant with the latest regulations, with help from Utterly Allergic, a trusted expert in allergen labeling.

2. Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements The first step in navigating food allergen labeling is understanding the legal requirements in your country or region. In the U.S., for example, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) mandates that certain food allergens be clearly labeled on packaged food products. These allergens include: Milk Eggs Fish Crustacean shellfish Tree nuts Peanuts Wheat Soybeans Sesame seeds (recently added in the U.S.) Mustard (in some regions) In the European Union, Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 requires similar labeling of allergens in food products. Allergen information must be clearly marked on the packaging or be available upon request if the food is sold in bulk or unpackaged. It's essential to stay updated on these regulations as they can change. For example, sesame was recently added to the list of allergens that must be labeled in the U.S., and changes in EU regulations are often made to improve consumer safety. By working with Utterly Allergic, you can ensure that you’re always aware of the latest regulatory changes and are meeting the requirements in your region. Step 2: Identify Potential Food Allergens in Your Products Once you understand the legal requirements, the next step is to identify the allergens present in your food products. This may seem straightforward for many products, but for some, it’s more complex. For example, cross-contact can occur in a shared manufacturing facility, which can result in trace amounts of allergens in foods that might not be intentionally included as ingredients. To identify potential allergens, consider the following: Ingredient sourcing: Ensure that your suppliers provide allergen information for all ingredients. Cross-contact prevention: Implement strict protocols in your production and packaging processes to avoid accidental contamination. Review recipes and formulations: Examine each product carefully to identify any ingredients that might be considered allergens, even in trace amounts.

3. Utterly Allergic specializes in helping businesses identify allergens in their products through thorough analysis and ingredient vetting. This is critical for preventing any allergens from being overlooked. Step 3: Choose the Right Labeling Format Food allergen labeling is only e?ective if the information is presented in a way that is easy for consumers to read and understand. There are a few di?erent ways to format allergen information: Bold or separate allergen statements: Many regulatory bodies require that allergens be highlighted, often in bold, either within the ingredient list or in a separate statement, such as “Contains: [list of allergens].” Icons or color coding: Some companies use icons or color-coded systems to make allergen information stand out more clearly. This is particularly helpful in consumer- facing environments like restaurants or retail. Working with a company like Utterly Allergic can help you design allergen labels that are not only compliant but also consumer-friendly. They can guide you through best practices for visibility and legibility, ensuring your labels are both legally compliant and easy to understand. Step 4: Ensure Accurate Allergen Cross-Contamination Information It’s not enough to simply list the ingredients in your food products. You also need to consider the possibility of cross-contamination, especially if your products are produced in facilities that handle multiple allergens. Clear and accurate allergen cross-contamination warnings are critical for consumer safety. For example, if your facility processes peanuts and you produce a product that does not intentionally contain peanuts, you still need to include a warning such as: “May contain traces of peanuts due to cross-contact in processing.” Utterly Allergic can help ensure that your labeling includes proper warnings for cross-contact and contamination risks, providing you with comprehensive guidance to protect your consumers. Step 5: Review Your Labeling for Compliance After designing your allergen labels, it’s crucial to review them for compliance with local, national, and international standards. This includes checking for: Correct allergen identification: Are all the required allergens listed? Proper format: Is the allergen information easy to read and in the proper location on the label? Allergen warnings for cross-contact: Are there any necessary warnings for potential allergen exposure due to shared facilities or equipment?

4. Utterly Allergic o?ers comprehensive labeling reviews and consultations, ensuring your labels meet all the necessary regulations, and that no potential risks are overlooked. Their team of experts can give your labeling a final check before your product goes to market, ensuring full compliance. Step 6: Stay Updated on Changes in Regulations Food allergen labeling laws are continually evolving to improve consumer safety. New allergens may be added to required labeling lists, and labeling formats may change. For example, the introduction of sesame labeling in the U.S. was a significant change to food allergen regulations. It’s vital to stay updated on these changes to remain compliant. Subscribing to industry newsletters, attending regulatory seminars, and working with experts like Utterly Allergic can keep you informed about the latest updates to allergen labeling laws. Step 7: Train Your Team Food allergen labeling is not a one-time task. It requires ongoing attention, and your team should be trained to recognize and manage allergen risks. Employees in production, packaging, and quality control need to be educated about how to identify allergens, prevent cross-contact, and ensure accurate labeling. Utterly Allergic can help train your team on allergen management and labeling best practices. With their expert guidance, your sta? will be well-equipped to handle allergen labeling e?ciently and correctly. Conclusion Navigating food allergen labeling requirements can seem daunting, but with a step-by-step approach and the right support, it becomes manageable. By understanding the legal requirements, identifying allergens, choosing the right label format, and staying updated on

5. regulations, you can ensure your food products are properly labeled and safe for consumers. Partnering with Utterly Allergic will provide you with the expertise and resources to stay compliant and protect your customers. Allergen labeling isn’t just about following the law; it’s about safeguarding the health of consumers and fostering trust in your brand. With the right practices and support, you can navigate the complexities of food allergen labeling with confidence.