Production process

There are several ways to separate different allergenic products from each other or from other non-allergenic materials, such as:

• The use of product-specific facilities.

• Delimiting the areas between specific allergens.

• Separating different production lines by physical barriers.

• Regulating the movement of personnel and equipment between different areas.

• Through proper planning of the production cycle, it should be prioritized whenever possible and after proper sanitization.

• Where appropriate and feasible, separate air supply.

• For maximum effectiveness and risk minimization, a combination of all these measures is recommended.

Procedures should be established to control and ensure proper labeling of raw materials, finished and semi-finished products. In the case of deformed and broken products that cannot be used as semi-finished products because they do not meet quality requirements,

Incorrect packaging and labeling are among the main reasons for allergen-related product recalls. Product labels should provide accurate information intended for allergic consumers.

Packaging material that is stored in processing areas, at least for a short period of time, is at risk of contamination with allergenic substances. When packaging of finished products and bulk production take place in different locations, there is an increased risk of contamination.

It is of utmost importance to remove previous packaging and physically destroy it, so systems must be in place to ensure that all packaging is removed.

It is necessary for multi-pack products to use the outer packaging established for this type of product.

Specific protocols should be established for handling reprocessed products. Oils that have been used in cooking allergenic foods should not be reused.

The handling of reprocessed raw materials should be properly documented, and all processing, identification, labeling and storage procedures should be the same as for the original allergenic substances. Responsibilities for reprocessing management should be well defined.