Allergen risk management actions

In the food manufacturing process, it is necessary to identify the allergen content of all raw materials used, including the intentional presence of additives, processing aids, carriers, flavorings, reprocessing, as well as to determine the risk of possible cross-contamination with allergens.

In order to demonstrate their responsibilities, food industry operators must comply with a group of actions or basic principles:

• General actions.

• Actions related to the training of workers.

• Actions related to the interrelation with suppliers.

• Actions related to product identification and consumer information.

• Actions related to the manufacturing process.

General actions: Potential risks arising from the handling of allergens should be managed. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) should be present at all times in the food manufacturing process. Allergen risk management should be integrated into food safety management. Specific procedures followed for allergen risk management should be properly documented.

Actions related to worker training:

• Determine the allergen handling training needs of all personnel.
• Allergen management training for personnel should be carried out according to their job requirements.
• Basic personal hygiene rules should be followed.

Actions related to the interrelationship with suppliers:

• Allergen risk management carried out by suppliers should be reviewed regularly.
• The allergenic content of all raw materials supplied should be regularly checked and reviewed with suppliers.
• Suppliers should be asked to report on the content of allergenic substances present in raw materials, either intentionally or through cross-contact with allergens, and to report any changes in raw materials.

Actions related to product identification and consumer information:

• Allergen risk management must be present at all times during food formulation, processing and packaging processes, as well as in the information to be communicated to consumers.
• Criteria should be established for the use of preventive labels.

Actions related to the manufacturing process:

• Handling