Allergen Review
FSANZ has conducted a review of the regulatory management of food allergens in Australia and New Zealand.
Food allergies, which affect between four and six per cent of children and one to two per cent of adults, can be very serious.
Rigorous declaration requirements are considered the most appropriate risk management option for food allergens since even small amounts of the allergen may trigger allergic reactions. Mandatory declaration of these foods and their products was introduced in Australia and New Zealand in 2002 and more recently in the European Union, the USA and Canada.
The allergen review paper presents findings on six issues, including:
- label information
- new allergens
- unpackaged food
Recommendations for future action include:
- the establishment by FSANZ of a Scientific Committee to advise FSANZ on food allergy related issues
- the development by FSANZ of a Proposal to consider whether an amendment to the Code to include lupin is justified
- the establishment of a label monitoring program specifically designed to track improvements in allergen labelling practices with a particular focus on ‘source’ and precautionary labelling
- that the Implementation Sub Committee be asked to consider the communication of regulatory obligations to food businesses and to provide access to educational initiatives, with FSANZ assistance as required. This recommendation will be put to the Implementation Sub Committee (ISC), for consideration. ISC is a sub committee of the Food Regulation Standing Committee. Its role is to develop and oversee a consistent approach across jurisdictions to implementing and enforcing food regulations and standards.
Review of the Regulatory Management of Food Allergens [ pdf ] [ word ]