Boosting allergen information: FSANZ launches new portal with industry backing
The Allergen Collaboration, first formed in 2011, seeks to use the portal to provide different sectors in the community with links to best practice food allergen resources and key messages to promote knowledge and safety.
“Food allergies can be a matter of life and death, so it is vital that each sector can easily find the best available information to help those living with food allergy. All sectors of the community need to be aware of their responsibilities and how they can help people who have a food allergy," said Mark Booth, CEO of FSANZ.
The portal has information for food manufacturers, importers and retailers; the food service sector; childcare centres and schools; government organisations; health professionals; and consumers.
Each sector’s page has its own allergy information, key messages or best practices and links to more resources.
Food manufacturers and retailers
As the food industry is required to comply with the allergen declaration requirements in the Food Standards Code, food manufacturers, retailers and importers are required to provide food allergen information that helps consumers manage their food allergy.
The Food Allergen Portal also reminds food manufacturers, retailers and importers to ensure the proper labelling of imports and to provide clear, up-to-date and accurate information about the allergen status of their product.
Other key messages for food manufacturers, retailers and importers in the management of food allergens in the food supply chain include the implementation of an effective allergen management plan; the training of staff in food allergen risks, management and communication; importers’ need to advise overseas suppliers about labelling requirements in the Food Standards Code, and so on.
“This portal is an excellent example of what can happen when all stakeholders collaborate to achieve a single purpose," said Booth.
Previously, we reported that FSANZ called for submissions on proposals to make allergen labelling more clear, claiming the rules "lacked clarity".
