Evaluation of UK FSA allergen management guidance

In 2006, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) published voluntary Guidance on Allergen Management and Consumer Information. This provided best practice guidance for controlling food allergens in the factory setting, with particular reference to avoiding cross-contamination and using appropriate advisory labelling. In 2008, the Agency commissioned research to evaluate the uptake and effectiveness of the 2006 guidance. The results of the evaluation have recently been published.

Results showed the guidance document is being used extensively by those businesses that are aware of it. These businesses have used it either to check their procedures are up-to-date or to alter their practices for management and labelling of allergens.

Just over a half of the food manufacturers surveyed (53%) were aware of either the full guidance or the leaflet that was published primarily for smaller businesses. Awareness was much higher among large businesses (81%) than businesses with fewer than 20 employees (37%). Around a half of small-medium sized businesses (those with 20-249 employees) were aware of the guidance. Over three quarters of enforcement officers (78%) were aware of the full guidance or the leaflet.

In determining how manufacturers became aware of the guidance, responses indicated it was found either through internet searches on 'allergens' which lead to the guidance on the FSA website, or Enforcement Officers had brought the guidance to their attention, particularly in the case of smaller organisations.

Of the manufacturers taking part in the survey, 76% had received training or advice on allergens and/or allergen labelling in the last few years. 27% of these manufacturers had received this training or advice from the FSA, with others receiving this training or advice from food research organisations (35%) or specialist training providers (28%).

While 100% of those surveyed found the guidance useful, many food businesses had reservations about the guidance becoming compulsory.

The people interviewed made a number of recommendations to improve the guidance and leaflet and to increase awareness of it. The FSA now considering these suggestions.

Download the full document from: www.food.gov.uk