Packaging risk analysis

Recommended good practices, based on the most frequent errors in allergen risk management:

• Critical Element: Packaging.
• There are measures to detect mixed packaging or labels received from suppliers and to ensure that finished products are labeled appropriately. Example: scanners.

• Adequate measures are in place on the line to allow interpretation of foreign language packaging.

• Documented procedures are in place to ensure that mismatches of packaging material are avoided after each production changeover and in storage. Examples: do not mix materials on a pallet, or store different types of packaging on the line, operators completely remove packaging and labels from the line during changeover.

• Packaging containing allergens is easily distinguished in the production facility from those that do not.

Example:

• They do not contain allergens.

• Contain other allergens.

Labeling identifies each allergen individually, e.g. hazelnut, cashew, soy, milk, wheat, barley. Allergen labeling reflects "worst case", if the same product is produced in several production sites or if it is sold in several markets, due to brand recognition by the consumer.

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