Best Practices For Allergen Management In Food Production

The control of allergens is an essential part of all food production activities. However, it must be customised to each product within each production facility. Some helpful concepts with allergen management include:

• Identify It

Ensure you are fully aware of all the ingredients used in your products so you can accurately determine the presence of allergens.

• Remove It

If an ingredient containing an allergen is not necessary, consider eliminating it or replacing it with a non-allergenic alternative.

• Segregate It

If an allergen or an ingredient containing an allergen must be used, implement measures to contain it and prevent cross-contamination with other products.

• Control It

  • Conduct a HACCP-style risk assessment
  • Implement effective control processes
  • Perform audits and validation of control measures
  • Continuously improve control processes to enhance allergen management

One Scientific - A Tentamus Company offers UKAS-accredited allergen testing services, providing reliable and accurate testing solutions to help food production facilities verify allergen control measures, comply with regulations, and ensure product safety.

By following these principles and utilising accredited allergen testing, businesses can maintain the highest standards of food safety and consumer protection.

Allergen Control Processes

Effective allergen management requires well-defined control processes to minimise risks and ensure compliance. These processes may include:

• Cleaning and Cleaning Validation

  • Fully documented cleaning procedures
  • Validation through on-site and laboratory testing

• Production Design

  • Use of easily cleaned equipment
  • Dedicated equipment, production lines, and scheduling
  • Appropriate PPE for allergen handling

• Staff Training

  • Comprehensive training on relevant procedures and allergen awareness

• Consumer Information

  • Transparency regarding allergen risks
  • Ensuring full regulatory compliance

• Record Keeping and Documentation

  • Fully auditable records to track allergen control measures

• Communication with Your Laboratory

  • Understanding what is tested and why
  • Awareness of test methods and interpretation of results
  • Planning for actions in the event of a positive result (e.g., crisis management plan)

• Continuous Improvement and Review

  • Ongoing assessment and enhancement of allergen control processes

Partnering with One Scientific for Allergen Testing

ne Scientific - A Tentamus Company provides UKAS-accredited allergen testing services*, ensuring accurate and reliable testing to support your allergen control plan. With expert guidance and state-of-the-art laboratory testing, One Scientific helps food production facilities verify allergen controls, comply with regulations, and protect consumer safety.

By implementing these structured processes and leveraging accredited testing services, businesses can maintain the highest standards of allergen management.

The article is written by our Head Of Chemistry at One Scientific - A Tentamus Company, Antony Bagshaw.
Feel free to contact us for more information!