Allergen Management And Control
Protecting Consumers and Your Business with Robust Allergen Control Strategies
At Fresh Group, we understand that managing allergens is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of food safety that protects consumers and enhances brand integrity. Whether you are a Food and Beverage SME operating in the United States of America, European Union, or Canada, or a foreign company looking to export to these markets, a well-structured Allergen Management and Control Plan is
essential for compliance and consumer safety.
Why Allergen Management Matters
Food allergies pose a significant public health risk, with allergic reactions ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. In the USA, EU, and Canada, regulatory authorities such as the FDA, USDA, CFIA, and EFSA have stringent allergen labeling and control requirements to protect consumers. Failure to comply can result in product recalls, legal actions, and reputational damage.
A comprehensive Allergen Management Plan helps food manufacturers, processors, and distributors prevent allergen cross-contact, ensure accurate labeling, and comply with strict food safety regulations across multiple markets.
Key Elements of Our Allergen Management and Control Plan
At Fresh Group, we help you develop and implement a robust Allergen Management and Control Plan that aligns with FDA’s FSMA, USDA HACCP requirements, EU HACCP, GFSI, and other regulatory frameworks. Our approach includes:
1.
Allergen Risk Assessment and Hazard Analysis
- Identification of priority allergens as per the FDA and USDA (USA), CFIA (Canada), and EU Food Information to Consumers (FIC) regulations.
- Evaluation of raw materials, ingredients, and processing steps for potential allergen risks.
- Assessment of allergen cross-contact risks in storage, production, and packaging areas.
2.
Supply Chain Management
- Verification of supplier allergen control measures.
- Clear allergen declaration in ingredient specifications and documentation.
- Supplier audits and testing to confirm compliance with allergen labeling laws.
3.
Cross-Contact Prevention Measures
- Dedicated production lines and equipment for allergen-containing products.
- Effective cleaning and sanitation protocols to eliminate allergen residues.
- Segregation of raw materials and finished products to avoid cross-contact.
4.
Labeling Compliance and Accuracy
- Ensuring allergen labeling meets FDA (Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act), CFIA (Canadian Allergen Regulations), and EU (Food Information for Consumers – FIC) requirements.
- Development of precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) strategies.
- Validation of label claims to prevent mislabeling incidents.
5.
Employee Training and Awareness
- Comprehensive allergen training for production staff, quality assurance teams, and management.
- Regular training programs on allergen handling, cross-contact prevention, and regulatory updates.
- Implementation of clear policies and procedures for allergen control.
6.
Allergen Testing and Verification
- Recommendation of allergen verification methods for raw materials, finished products, and surfaces.
- Recommendation of environmental monitoring to ensure sanitation effectiveness.
- Periodic internal audits and third-party verification for compliance assurance.
7.
Incident Management and Recall Readiness
- Establishment of a traceability system for rapid identification and recall of allergen-contaminated products.
- Development of an allergen-related recall plan in compliance with FSMA and international food safety regulations.
- Post-incident analysis and corrective action implementation.
How Fresh Group Can Help Your Business
With years of expertise in food safety consulting, Fresh Group provides tailored Allergen Management and Control Plans that meet the unique needs of Food and Beverage SMEs and exporters. Our solutions help you:
- Achieve compliance with USA, EU, and Canadian food safety regulations.
- Reduce the risk of allergen cross-contact and mislabeling.
- Enhance consumer trust and brand reputation.
- Ensure seamless market access and avoid costly recalls.
Get Started Today
Ensure food safety and regulatory compliance with a customized Allergen Management and Control Plan from Fresh Group. Contact us today to
schedule a consultation and safeguard your products, consumers, and business.