A VITAL boost for world-leading allergen labelling

Monday, 31 October 2011 09:15

Australian consumers will be better protected and informed about the risk of allergens in foods following an international endorsement of the Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling (VITAL) risk assessment tool, the Australian Food and Grocery Council and Allergen Bureau said in a media release on 26 October 2011.

First developed by the food manufacturing industry in 2007, the world-leading VITAL system allows food producers to assess the impact of allergen cross contact and provides appropriate precautionary labelling on products.

The innovative, risk-based methodology was designed to make a single, standardised precautionary statement available to assist food manufacturers in consistently presenting allergen advice for consumers with allergies.

Over the past nine months, an international scientific expert panel reviewed a large amount of clinical evidence (both published and unpublished data) to validate and revise current Action Level values for VITAL. The panel comprehensively reinforced VITAL and included more scientific and clinical data which has been generated throughout the world.

The Allergen Bureau in collaboration with the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program (FARRP), University of Nebraska and TNO (the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research), convened the VITAL Scientific Expert Panel.

Chair of the Allergen Bureau management committee Kirsten Grinter said the outcome was a significant step forward for both food manufacturers and consumers.

“The Allergen Bureau and AFGC have worked hard in Australia and overseas to gain recognition for VITAL in the belief that consistency and collaboration was the best way forward.

Today marks an important milestone in the VITAL journey and there is more to come,” Ms Grinter said.

AFGC Chief Executive Kate Carnell said the results were a major endorsement of the credibility of the system and she encouraged more manufacturers to use VITAL.

“I encourage all food manufacturers to embrace the VITAL methodology as it gives industry and consumers greater confidence in Australia’s world-class, safe, clean and affordable food supply,” Ms Carnell said.

More information about VITAL and allergen management is available from the Allergen Bureau on 1800 263 829 or visit http://www.allergenbureau.net/vital/vital-review-a-vital-20