Allergen Control

Food Safety Five Ep. 28: Advancements in Allergen Contamination Control

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 05:30:00 -0400

This episode covers new research on food allergen risks in processing environments, including studies on allergen recovery from environmental swabs, cross-contamination in shared frying oil, and dispersal of allergenic food powders. Also discussed is an EU proposal to harmonize precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) requirements.

EU Considers Adoption of Harmonized Precautionary Allergen Labeling Rules

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Following Codex recommendations for risk-based allergen Precautionary Allergen Labeling (PAL) and thresholds, the European Commission has posted a forthcoming draft act to its public feedback portal on harmonized requirements for the use of voluntary PAL statements.

Study Shows How Allergenic Food Powders Spread During Production, Create Cross-Contamination Risk

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0500

Dispersibility may be a useful tool for simulating the spread and hygienic control of allergenic food powders. Researchers recommend that producers add powders from as low a position as possible to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Study Shows Filtering Shared Frying Oil Substantially Reduces Allergen Cross-Contamination Risks

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:30:00 -0500

A new study quantified the allergen cross-contamination that occurs in shared frying oil and evaluated the efficacy of different filters in removing allergen protein residues from oil.

Study Shows How Swab Storage Time, Temperature Affect Allergen Detection

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:16:45 -0500

The findings reinforce the importance of current best practice, which recommends same-day delivery on ice.

2026 Trends in the EU/UK Food Law Space

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Some EU and UK food law changes in development could arrive sooner than expected, and others will take more time to go into effect. This article discusses food law changes to watch for in 2026.

Portable Device Allows Onsite, Real-Time Detection of Food Allergens, Gluten

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:14:52 -0500

Allergen Alert is a portable device that automates the full laboratory analytical process in a “mini lab” so that consumers and foodservice professionals alike can detect the presence of allergens or gluten in a meal, onsite and in minutes, ensuring food safety for those with food allergies and celiac disease.

Food Safety Five Ep. 22: The Latest on UPFs, Sanitizers, Contaminants, Gluten Labeling, and More

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:30:00 -0500

This episode of Food Safety Five discusses scientific recommendations around ultra-processed food (UPF) definitions and policy, a study demonstrating the antimicrobial efficacy of common sanitizers in potato wash water, and a review outlining the food safety risks of edible flowers. Also discussed are regulatory and standards developments in the U.S., EU, and at the international level.

UK FSA Shows Support for Codex Precautionary Allergen Labeling Proposals

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:06:19 -0500

At its December 2025 Board Meeting, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommended that the agency support Codex proposals on precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) and seek UK alignment with Codex PAL recommendations.

FAO/WHO Experts Recommend Gluten Reference Dose for Precautionary Allergen Labeling

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:21:59 -0500

To support Codex committee deliberations, an ad hoc joint FAO/WHO committee convened to recommend a gluten reference dose (RfD) in a risk-based precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) framework to ensure food safety for people with both celiac and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated wheat allergies.

Canadian Survey Finds BPA in One-Third of Canned, Jarred Food Samples

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:34:57 -0500

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently published the results of three targeted sampling and testing assignments to determine the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) and undeclared allergens in select foods at retail.

California Enacts Law Requiring Restaurants to Label Major Allergens on Menus

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:16:57 -0400

Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), titled, the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act (ADDE), will apply to chain restaurants with 20 or more locations by January 1, 2026.

UK Food Standards Agency Highlights Urgent Needs in Allergen Testing

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:53:11 -0400

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) commissioned a review to assess the current state of allergen testing methodologies, with the goal of identifying gaps, harmonizing testing protocols, and supporting risk management strategies.

Food Safety Five Ep. 17: Strengthening Food Safety for Food-Allergic Consumers

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:30:00 -0400

This episode of Food Safety Five discusses allergen news in the EU, where experts recommend “hidden” food allergens for mandatory labeling, and in the U.S., where USDA-FSIS is adding gluten to its allergen verification activities.

USDA-FSIS Now Includes Gluten in Major Allergen Verification Activities

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:24:33 -0400

Although gluten is not one of the Big 9 major food allergens, USDA inspectors will now verify that establishments producing meat, poultry, and egg products are accurately controlling and labeling gluten similar to the Big 9 major food allergens.

Anaphylaxis Induced by Shellfish Consumption on the Rise in Europe

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:11:42 -0400

A recent study characterized seafood allergy anaphylaxis cases based on an analysis of 15 years of data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry.

FDA to Hold Public Expert Panel Discussion on Food Allergies

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:26:10 -0400

On Monday October 10, FDA will hold an Expert Panel on Food Allergies to discuss etiology and best treatments for food allergies. The event is open to the public and will also be livestreamed.

Food Allergy Canada Offers Video Training Series on Serving Food Allergic Guests

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:44:09 -0400

To help foodservice businesses train staff on how to safely serve customers with food allergies, Food Allergy Canada has launched “Serving the Food Allergic Guest,” a free, three-part micro-training video series.

Experts Recommend Four Hidden Food Allergens for Mandatory Labeling in EU

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:12:58 -0400

A French analysis of anaphylaxis cases revealed eight foods causing a notable number of allergic reactions, which are not included on the EU list of major food allergens requiring mandatory labeling. The researchers recommend four of these hidden allergens for inclusion on the list.

FDA to Host Public Meeting on Food Allergen Thresholds to Guide Possible Developments

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:31:53 -0400

In November 2025, FDA will host a three-day, virtual public meeting on food allergen thresholds and their potential applications. Input received during the public meeting will help FDA determine next steps, establish priorities, and develop food allergen threshold approaches.

Ep. 197. Jatin Patel: Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Handling a Recall

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:30:00 -0400

In this episode of Food Safety Matters, we speak with Jatin Patel, Director of Operations for FGS Ingredients, about how the company handled a recall of several of its mustard-based products due to peanut contamination, the measures the company has implemented to prevent future risks, and the broader implications for food safety standards.

Pennsylvania Bill Aims to Protect Restaurant Patrons with Food Allergies

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:31 -0400

Bill would require restaurants to include on food menus or through other written information a notice to customers of food allergens used in the facility. Also, customers would be encouraged to inform servers about their food allergies.

Study Shows FAO/WHO Recommended Thresholds for Precautionary Allergen Labeling Would Protect Consumers

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 13:59:53 -0400

Harmonization of precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) requires the acceptance of reference doses for priority allergens. A new study found that PAL based on specific FAO/WHO-recommended thresholds would only elicit mild to moderate reactions in a small proportion of the allergic population.

Analysis: Dairy Products Led Global Food Recalls in First Quarter of 2025

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:52:43 -0400

According to FOODAKAI’s Global Food Recall Index, the first quarter of 2025 has seen significant increases in food product recalls across the dairy, poultry, and produce categories internationally.

FDA Releases Updated Food Allergen Guidance in Searchable Format; Removes Coconut From Major Food Allergens

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:25:05 -0400

The updated Fifth Edition of FDA’s Food Allergen Q&A Guidance has been published in a searchable webpage format. Revisions include the addition of sesame as a major food allergen, as well as the removal of some tree nuts, including coconut, from the list of major food allergens.

FAO/WHO Develop Scientific, Risk-Based Framework for Food Allergen Labeling

hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:53:58 -0400

To improve upon the commonly used precautionary, hazards-based approach to allergen labeling, FAO and WHO have developed a scientific approach to food allergen labeling based on actual risk, such as the likelihood and severity of an allergic reaction occurring.

Proposed Rule Would Require Mandatory Labeling on Alcoholic Beverages for Big 9 Food Allergens

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:02:57 -0400

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has proposed a rule that would require mandatory labeling on alcoholic beverages for the “Big 9” food allergens. The proposed rule is open for comment until April 17, 2025.

Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Hosting Four In-Person Dairy Plant Food Safety Workshops in 2025

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 13:47:15 -0400

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy is offering four in-person food safety training opportunities throughout 2025, designed to help the dairy industry strengthen contamination control practices to protect consumers from foodborne illness.

UK FSA Offers Updated Guidance, Resources on Written Allergen Information for Food Retailers

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:17:13 -0500

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published updated industry guidance on providing written allergen information to consumers with food allergies at retail food establishments serving non-prepacked foods.

Building Loyalty Through Safety: Enhancing Allergen Management Programs as a Strategic Business Opportunity

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Recent research commissioned by Food Allergy Canada identifies untapped opportunities for foodservice businesses to grow their market share by addressing the concerns of consumers with food allergies. Food safety leaders have a key role to play, leveraging their expertise to foster trust and transform food-allergic consumers into loyal customers.