Allergen Labelling Requirements

In recent years, the significance of accurate allergen labeling has surged within the food industry, primarily due to the rising prevalence of food allergies and the associated health risks. Food allergens, which are proteins that can trigger adverse reactions in sensitive individuals, pose a serious threat to public health. With millions of people affected globally, effective allergen management and labeling practices are essential for ensuring consumer safety and maintaining trust in food products.

Understanding Food Allergens

Food allergens are typically proteins that can trigger adverse immune responses in sensitive individuals. The most common allergens include:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews)
• Milk
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish (e.g., shrimp, crab)
• Soybeans
• Wheat

In the United States, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) mandates that these eight major allergens be clearly identified on food packaging. This includes specifying the type of nut or fish when applicable, ensuring consumers can make informed choices about their food.

Food Allergens and Their Health Risks

 Key Benefits of Allergy Testing

Regulations and standards

EU Regulation 1169/2011:

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council, known as the Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation, is the main law governing food labelling in the European Union. It establishes the general principles, requirements and responsibilities related to food information provision, particularly food labelling.

Key Allergen Labelling Requirements

Mandatory Labelling of 14 Allergens: The regulation requires the mandatory labelling of 14 allergens when used as ingredients in pre-packaged foods:

• Cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt)
• Crustaceans
• Eggs
• Fish
• Peanuts
• Soybeans
• Milk (including lactose)
• Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, etc.)
• Celery
• Mustard
• Sesame seeds
• Sulphur dioxide and sulphites
• Lupin
• Molluscs

Emphasizing Allergens: Allergenic ingredients must be emphasized in the ingredient list using a distinctive type, such as bold text or contrasting colors, to clearly distinguish them from the rest of the ingredients.

Minimum Font Size: Mandatory food information, including allergen declarations, must be printed in a minimum font size of 1.2mm.

Visibility and Legibility: Allergen information must be easily visible, clearly legible and indelible for the consume

FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established specific regulations for allergen labelling under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. These regulations outline the requirements for declaring allergens in food products to ensure consumer safety and awareness regarding food allergies.

Key Regulations for Allergen Labelling

Mandatory Allergen Declaration

The FSSAI mandates that the following eight allergens must be declared on food packaging:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Tree nuts
• Peanuts
• Wheat
• Soybeans

Labelling Requirements

• Allergens must be clearly indicated on the label as follows:
• For example, "Contains: Milk" or "Contains: Peanuts."
• In cases where cross-contamination might occur, a precautionary statement such as "May contain traces of..." is recommended.

Use of Symbols:

• Food service establishments are allowed to depict allergens using easy-to-understand symbols alongside text on menu cards or boards, enhancing accessibility for consumers.

Exemptions

• Raw agricultural commodities are exempt from allergen labelling requirements, as they are not considered processed foods.

Compliance and Enforcement

• Food business operators (FBOs) must comply with these labelling requirements to avoid regulatory liabilities and ensure consumer safety.
• Regular audits and reviews of allergen management practices are encouraged to maintain compliance.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• FBOs should maintain thorough documentation of all allergen-related information, including ingredient lists and staff training records.

Emergency Preparedness

• Establishments should have protocols in place for handling allergic reactions, including staff training on recognizing symptoms and administering first aid.

Continuous Improvement

• FBOs are encouraged to foster a culture of continuous improvement in allergen management practices, updating procedures based on new information or regulatory changes.

Eurofins services in testing allergens in India

Eurofins provides a wide range of services for testing food allergens, ensuring that manufacturers comply with regulatory standards and protect consumer safety. Their offerings include:

1. Comprehensive Allergen Analysis

Testing for Major Allergens: Eurofins tests for all allergens mandated under EU Regulation 1169/2011 and FDA FALCPA, including:

• Gluten
• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, Cashew)
• Fish
• Soya
• Mustard
• Sesame
• Sulphur dioxide
• Crustacean
• Casein

2. Advanced Testing Methods

• Analytical Techniques: Eurofins employs state-of-the-art methods such as ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for accurate detection and quantification of allergens in food products.
• Trace Detection: These methods can identify allergens at very low concentrations, ensuring safety for sensitive consumers.

3. Custom Testing Solutions

• Tailored Panels: Eurofins offers custom allergen panels to meet specific client needs, accommodating unique product formulations or emerging allergens.

4. Cross-Contamination Assessment

• Risk Management: Services include assessing the risk of cross-contamination during food production to prevent unintended allergen presence.

5. Regulatory Compliance Support

• Guidance on Regulations: Eurofins helps manufacturers navigate global regulations regarding allergen labelling and management to ensure compliance.

6. Rapid Testing Options

• Quick Turnaround: Eurofins provides rapid testing services that allow for timely results, enabling manufacturers to conduct in-process testing.

7. Expert Consultation and Training

• Staff Training: In addition to testing, Eurofins offers training on best practices for allergen management in food production environments.

8. Global Reach

International Laboratories: With numerous laboratories worldwide, Eurofins provides local support while adhering to international standards.

Allergen Labelling Support Services

In addition to testing, Eurofins offers extensive support for allergen labeling to help food manufacturers meet regulatory requirements