Food Allergy Canada Releases Allergen Management Guidelines, Focus on Labeling
Food Allergy Canada recently released its Allergen Management Guidelines for Food Manufacturers, which includes online training and a user guide. The guidelines aim to support Canadian food and beverage manufacturers in managing allergens in their facility, enhancing food safety for consumers with allergies.
Food allergens such as peanuts, shellfish, wheat, eggs, and milk affect over 3 million Canadians, including 600,000 children, and impact half of Canadian households. Those with allergies rely on access to accurate ingredient information; however, current food labeling practices, specifically precautionary allergen labeling, can be confusing to consumers and make it difficult to navigate safe food options. Considered a chemical hazard, allergens must be effectively managed throughout the food and beverage manufacturing process with preventive control measures, in accordance with the Safe Food for Canadians Act.