More than 11 million Americans suffer from food allergies and young children are disproportionally more affected. Strict avoidance of the offending food remains the only effective means to prevent the occurrence of allergic reactions. Allergic consumers rely on food labels to disclose the presence of allergenic ingredients. Many countries have enacted food allergen labeling regulations. Globalization in food production, manufacturing and trade has made compliance with different requirements an ever-expanding challenge. Recent data have suggested that labeling errors are the leading cause of food allergen recalls. There is a critical, ongoing need for the food industry to develop and implement best practices to ensure accurate and proper allergen labeling. This symposium will provide IAFP attendees with an overview of the food allergen labeling requirements set up by various countries and how industry is working towards meeting these requirements. Issues or obstacles that contribute to errors in food allergen labeling will be discussed. Expert speakers will also showcase best practices to enhance compliance of food allergens regulations from a manufacturing, supply chain and a global trade perspective.

Presentations