An alternative allergen risk management approach

Abstract

Protein components in food can trigger immune-mediated response in susceptible individuals.International law requires risk assessment to be undertaken by competent individuals to minimize food safety risk to consumers. Historically, allergen control legislation has been food focused and on the requirement for on pack labeling, and the need for formal food recalls in the event of misleading or inappropriate labeling. In order to develop a mechanism for decision makers when assessing allergenic risk from plant derived materials, the aim of this research was to consider a more holistic risk assessment method whereby rather than just using the food-based approach, an additive element in terms of considering the families of proteins is included. This approach reflects the need for food professionals to fully understand the role of proteins in triggering an allergic response to plant material and the health risk to individuals who show cross-reactivity to such proteins.

Addressing risk management difficulties in children with food allergies

“…Further, "trace amounts" are not defined in regulations, with Japan being the notable exception. 14 As such, precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) and its various forms (ie, may contain, manufactured on shared equipment, manufactured in a shared facility) are voluntary in nature and can vary widely in wording or application. 13,14 According to EU Regulation No.…”

“…14 As such, precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) and its various forms (ie, may contain, manufactured on shared equipment, manufactured in a shared facility) are voluntary in nature and can vary widely in wording or application. 13,14 According to EU Regulation No. 1169/2011, voluntary food information shall not mislead the consumer, shall not be ambiguous or confusing, and where appropriate, it shall be based on relevant scientific data.…”

The Evolution and Cultural Framing of Food Safety Management Systems—Where From and Where Next?

“…Moreover, historical and current thinking limits the scope of FSMS to the control and management of the aforementioned food hazards and does not included the wider consideration of prevention of NCDs, although it can be argued that NCDs may involve “conditions of food with the potential to cause an adverse health effect.” Indeed, the advent of personalized medicine and personalized healthcare especially around food allergy (Ferrando et al., ) means that organizations need to consider how these developments will influence the categorization of food hazards and intoxication in the future (Manning & Soon, ) and the impact on management approaches to food hazard control and management. The evolution of HACCP‐based FSMS for control of food hazards is now considered.…”

“…Further development of the PRP concept came with the understanding that some general hygiene considerations required an additional, tighter or enhanced level of control, usually to prevent cross‐contamination risks that would lead to the ingress of significant hazards, for example, allergen control where special measures are required to prevent cross‐contact (Manning & Soon, ). These types of food safety issues cannot be managed as process CCPs; however, they require more focus than general PRPs that are global rather than hazard specific in nature (Figure ).…”

“May Contain” Allergen Statements: Facilitating or Frustrating Consumers?

“…In order to provide an overview of the economic details and cost-benefit of quantified PAL, this study utilizes a theoretical example of a food product manufactured on a production site that also uses other food allergens (Manning and Soon 2016). The worked example includes the estimated price of the genuine food product in a small-medium company and the cost of purchasing allergen test kits.…”