Italian workshop targets “may contain” labelling for allergens

Friday, 07 March 2008 18:57

A workshop bringing together Italian clinicians, scientists and members of the European Food Safety Authority to address possible concerns in the labelling of allergens was held in Milan on 2 February.  The meeting was convened by Allegria an Italian based, non-profit organisation, which supports research into allergens and asthma.

Matters to be discussed at the meeting included “May contain” statements.

In a statement released prior to the meeting, Professor Alessandro Fiocchi, head of paediatrics at the Macedonio Melloni Hospital, questioned how current labelling systems warning of the potential presence of allergens could fully benefit consumers.

"What should the clinician's advice be to parents who ask about a food without milk, but that bears the 'may contain [milk]' statement?  It is a matter of responsibility and regulation may be warranted," he stated.

Professor Patrizia Restani of the University of Milan also indicated that revision of Italian food labelling legislation may be needed. “The way forward has to be more than a continuous improvement in the sensitivity of analytical tests.  Progress in testing methods is needed but, without thresholds, this may backfire against the food industry and, most importantly, against patients themselves".

The UK system, which offered voluntary guidelines for manufacturers regarding management of cross-contact food allergens, was held up as an encouraging example of a possible solution for Italy.