Allergens pose a significant health issue in the United States, accounting for one-third of all product recalls. The primary reason for these recalls is incorrect labeling, which includes instances of products having the wrong labels or containing different items than what is indicated. As a result, it is essential to implement an effective Allergen Management Program to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
This article outlines the necessary steps to establish an Allergen Management Program that complies with these mandatory requirements. The focus is on preventing allergen contamination and ensuring product safety.
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The SQF Code requires that companies develop and implement an Allergen Management program that outlines the responsibilities and methods for allergen control at the sites. The program must include:
- A risk assessment of ingredients, processing aids, lubricants that contain food allergens.
- An assessment of allergens that can be introduced into the facility through lunches, vending machines and personal items.
- A list of allergens of the country where the product is being manufactured and the country where the product is going to be distributed.
- The inclusion of allergens in the hazard analysis of the Food Safety Plan.
- Management plan of identified allergens.
A thorough allergen verification procedure should be integrated into the entire labeling process, starting from its design phase through its application in the packaging stage.
The Allergen Management Program involves several stages of the process:
- Receiving of ingredients and labels.
- Storage of ingredients and labels.
- Processing of products.
- Labeling of products.
- Storage of finished goods.
Segregation is an important requirement to avoid cross-contact. Ideally, allergens should be processed in a dedicated line. However, in practicality, this might not always be the case.
If allergens are processed in the same line as non-allergens or allergens of different kind, a thorough sanitation process of the processes equipment and lines must be conducted followed by a verification of allergen removal. Cleaning protocols must be validated for effectiveness to remove allergen from processing equipment.
In addition, traceability must be implemented to allergen materials and finished goods, If allergens are reworked back into production, it is essential to ensure they are correctly identified and traceable within the system.
When processing allergens, it is necessary to establish and execute written change over protocols. These protocols should encompass a comprehensive line clearance, entailing the removal of all materials involved in the production of the product containing the allergen.
Finally, if a site does not process allergens, the program must be written and implemented to prevent the cross-contact risk of allergens introduced unintentionally through materials, contracted manufacturing, site personnel and visitors.
