Aaron Hoare Date published: Sep 17, 24

A food allergen is a substance which is usually harmless, but in certain individuals triggers an immune response, leading to allergic reactions that can range from mild to life-threatening. It is essential that you manage food allergens effectively both for the sake of your reputation, and more importantly, customer safety. This threat to consumer safety is why food allergens are a risk to your business.

For anyone working in the food and beverage industry, understanding food allergens is a non-negotiable aspect of the role. To manage your business safely and effectively, you need to know what food allergens are, the risk they pose to consumers and how to safeguard your business from the legal repercussions of incorrect allergen management leading to potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.

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Understanding food allergens

Food allergens are specific proteins found in certain foods that trigger allergic reactions. Food allergies should not be confused with food sensitivities or intolerances, which may cause pain and discomfort, but are not life-threatening. A food allergy is much more serious and occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies the allergen as a threat.

Common symptoms of food allergies include rashes, swelling and anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Using the UK as a representative example – although the list below wouldn’t differ greatly around the world – the 14 most common food allergens include:

• Celery
• Cereals containing gluten
• Crustaceans
• Eggs
• Fish
• Lupin
• Milk
• Mollusks
• Mustard
• Nuts
• Peanuts
• Sesame
• Soya
• Sulfites

These allergens must be clearly identified on food packaging to protect consumers and comply with legal standards. Phrases like “may contain nuts” are often used to indicate potential cross-contamination during manufacturing, adding an extra layer of safeguarding.

The business risk of food allergens

Managing food allergens effectively is critical for food and beverage companies. Failing to properly label allergens can lead to severe allergic reactions, which can result in legal actions, hefty fines and often-irreparable damage to your company’s reputation. Food allergies are at an all-time high, affecting approximately 2 million people in the UK, and at least 26 million in the US, meaning that implementation of rigorous allergen management practices is essential.

The ever-increasing number of people suffering from food allergies means that businesses need a meticulous and thorough approach to allergen management. Even a single incident of allergen mismanagement can lead to serious consequences for both consumers and your business. This can be difficult to recover from, when your business is directly culpable for a public safety incident.

Case in point: Natasha’s Law and its implications

In October 2021, Natasha’s Law was enacted in the UK to enhance food safety for consumers with allergies. Named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who tragically died from an allergic reaction to a baguette containing sesame. The law mandates that all foods pre-packaged for direct sale (PPDS) must include a full list of ingredients with allergens emphasized in bold or italics and in a font size above 0.9mm or 1.2mm, depending on packaging size.

This legislation applies to any food product that is packaged at the same location where it is offered to consumers. Examples include pre-packed sandwiches, salads and bakery items. Retailers need to ensure that these products are clearly labeled to prevent accidental allergen exposure. And to ensure accurate labelling, keen oversight of the food and beverage’s journey from raw ingredients to the shelf is essential.

In a similar vein, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) exists in the US compelling manufacturers to disclose any of the eight major food allergens – milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans – on food packaging.

Which food products does Natasha’s Law affect?

Natasha's Law relates to any product that falls into the PPDS category, which includes food products that are pre-packed at sell point. For example, buying a pre-selected box of doughnuts falls into the PPDS category, whereas selecting the doughnuts yourself from a counter to be boxed up does not. In other words, any item that cannot be altered without adjusting or modifying the packaging is classified as PPDS.

Retailers will regularly pre-bag/box products to save time during busy periods. However, it is possible that this additional preparation could result in longer service times, if some retailers elect to no longer offer PPDS products.

Keeping consumers safe is a necessity. Failing to adhere to crucial allergen labelling can be fatal to a consumer, but will also affect brand standards and could result in fines and litigation – all leading to a loss in revenue.

The FSA has released guidance for retailers to demonstrate if Natasha’s Law applies to you. In addition to this, it is advised to promote an ‘easy to ask’ campaign which provides business guidance on allergens and helps empower consumers to pursue this topic to ensure they make safe choices.

Legal compliance and consumer safety

In the UK there are strict allergen labeling laws, enforced by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). In the US, they are enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All food and beverage businesses must ensure that food is clearly labeled to identify the presence of major food allergens. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in recalls, fines and lawsuits, which can significantly impact your business’s financial health and public image.

To comply with Natasha’s Law and similar regulations, your organization should implement robust allergen management systems. This includes training staff on allergen awareness, ensuring accurate labeling and maintaining strict hygiene practices to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, adopting technological solutions like allergen tracking software can help streamline compliance and reduce the risk of human error.

Best practices for allergen management

Effective allergen management involves several best practices, including:

1. Ingredient transparency: Clearly list all ingredients on product labels and highlight allergens.
2. Cross-contamination prevention: Use separate equipment and preparation areas for allergen-free products.
3. Staff training: Educate employees about food allergens and safe handling practices.
4. Consumer communication: Encourage customers to ask about allergens and provide clear, accessible information.
5. Invest in supply chain management: Invest time and resources into ensuring full supply chain visibility of allergens.

The role of technology in allergen management

Technology can play a vital role in managing allergens, offering both precision and efficiency. Software solutions specifically designed for supply chain management enable businesses to track allergen information meticulously from suppliers to end products. This ensures transparency and compliance at every stage of the production process. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced traceability: Advanced software tools allow companies to monitor and document the presence of allergens throughout the supply chain. This includes tracking ingredients from their source, through processing, to the final product. By maintaining a detailed digital record, businesses can quickly identify and address any points of contamination.
• Regulatory compliance: These solutions help companies adhere to food safety regulations such as FALCPA and Natasha’s Law by ensuring that all allergen-related information is accurately documented and readily available. Automated alerts and updates can keep businesses informed about changes in regulations, allowing them to adjust their practices accordingly.
• Efficient recall management: In the event of an allergen-related recall, technology enables swift response and resolution. With centralized data and real-time tracking, companies can identify affected products and their distribution channels immediately. This minimizes the potential risk to consumers and mitigates the impact on the brand's reputation.
• Improved consumer trust: By leveraging technology to manage allergens, businesses demonstrate their commitment to consumer safety and transparency. Providing clear and accurate allergen information not only complies with legal requirements, but also builds trust with customers, who can make informed decisions about the products they consume.

In essence, technology serves as a critical ally in the complex task of allergen management. It streamlines processes, enhances accuracy and fosters a deeper level of trust between businesses and their customers.

How Ideagen software solutions can support compliance with allergen regulations

At Ideagen, we offer supply chain management, training management and quality management software solutions to help you streamline and manage your food and beverage businesses to protect consumers. Our tools are designed to ensure compliance with allergen regulations and enhance overall food safety. Protect your business and consumers today by investing in the right tools.

Visit our knowledge hub for more free resources on how to effectively and safely manage food allergens in your business.

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