Allergens: An enhanced focus

Abstract

Food Allergy Awareness Week was created with the purpose of placing a spotlight on the seriousness of food allergies. Recognized in the United States in mid-May every year, Food Allergy Awareness Week serves as a reminder of the over 15 million Americans who suffer from food allergies. The importance of allergies and allergen labeling can be seen when looking at U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall data: of the 764 recalls in 2016, 305 (representing more than 40%) were due to undeclared allergens. However, recalls for undeclared allergens are a complex issue with numerous factors. The implementation of prevention-based systems with the necessary management components and further error-proofing the systems, along with allergen awareness embedded throughout a company’s food safety culture, can likely help reduce the number of recalls for undeclared allergens. As a resource to manufacturers, the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program have developed several resources to assist with developing robust allergen management programs. By reducing the number of recalls for undeclared allergens, the food industry will likely increase and maintain consumer confidence and trust of the food-allergic community. This enhanced consumer confidence and trust could eventually open the door for further collaboration with the food-allergic community and, potentially, advance allergen-related policies.