Allergens

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Harmonized food allergen regulation at the EU level, and systematic monitoring led by a European reference lab, are necessary to protect consumers, argue researchers. 

To promote consistency in industry use of allergen quantitative risk assessment, ILSI Europe has developed a new practical guidance to help harmonize the data-gathering processes for food allergen risk assessment and aid implementation.

On December 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold an educational webinar for regulators and industry about food labeling and allergen labeling requirements.

A recent study analyzed U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food product recall data from 2002–2023, drawing conclusions from more than 35,000 product recalls.

Researchers with Ayass Bioscience have developed a novel, aptamer-based solution that neutralizes peanut allergens with potential application in the agriculture, food production, and sanitation sectors. The technology is non-invasive, and does not involve genetic modification to peanuts or traditional immunotherapy for patients.

Bimbo Bakeries’ response letter to an FDA warning letter about intentionally adding sesame to its products and falsely listing sesame as an ingredient on products has been revealed by consumer protection groups. In short, the company defended its practice. 

UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) surveillance of food purchased at retail in 2023–2024 found 87 percent of samples to be compliant with food safety and authenticity standards. Undeclared allergens, adulteration, mislabeling, and other noncompliances were reported.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking stakeholder comment on a proposed guidance for industry regarding best practices for providing allergen information on non-prepackaged foods, such as in restaurants or at deli counters.

A recent sampling assignment conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pennsylvania and Michigan found milk in 6.2 percent of dark chocolate and chocolate-containing products labeled as “dairy-free,” although all positive samples were also labeled with an allergen advisory statement.

A recent study explored how the use of uniform, threshold-based precautionary allergen labeling could increase food safety for allergic consumers, as well as enhance the number of foods available to them on the market.