S
Sebastian Read
New member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2024
- Messages
- 5
- Points
- 1
How do you approach managing ‘may contain’ statements on labeling for allergens
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Marzena STC & QTC
Moderator
Staff member
Hi Sebastian,
This is a really important topic and one that is often misunderstood.
'May contain' statements (Precautionary Allergen Labelling – PAL) should not be used as a substitute for good allergen controls. They should only be used when a genuine risk of cross-contamination remains after all reasonable control measures have been applied.
A good approach is to:
- Identify all allergens present on site, including raw materials and rework.
- Assess the risk of cross-contamination between products.
- Review factors such as shared equipment, production scheduling, cleaning procedures and possible airborne contamination.
- Validate cleaning procedures to confirm allergens are being effectively removed.
- Use a 'may contain' statement only where a real residual risk still exists and cannot be eliminated.
One common mistake is adding 'may contain' statements to products "just in case". Overuse of these statements can reduce their value to allergic consumers and may be challenged by customers, retailers and certification bodies.
Any decision to use PAL should be based on a documented allergen risk assessment and supported by evidence.
BRCGS and other food safety standards would expect to see that the decision is risk-based, justified and properly documented.
We also explain what PAL (Precautionary Allergen Labelling) means and when it should be used in our STC Explains channel. If you're interested, you can watch the video here:
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Hope this helps.
This is a really important topic and one that is often misunderstood.
'May contain' statements (Precautionary Allergen Labelling – PAL) should not be used as a substitute for good allergen controls. They should only be used when a genuine risk of cross-contamination remains after all reasonable control measures have been applied.
A good approach is to:
- Identify all allergens present on site, including raw materials and rework.
- Assess the risk of cross-contamination between products.
- Review factors such as shared equipment, production scheduling, cleaning procedures and possible airborne contamination.
- Validate cleaning procedures to confirm allergens are being effectively removed.
- Use a 'may contain' statement only where a real residual risk still exists and cannot be eliminated.
One common mistake is adding 'may contain' statements to products "just in case". Overuse of these statements can reduce their value to allergic consumers and may be challenged by customers, retailers and certification bodies.
Any decision to use PAL should be based on a documented allergen risk assessment and supported by evidence.
BRCGS and other food safety standards would expect to see that the decision is risk-based, justified and properly documented.
We also explain what PAL (Precautionary Allergen Labelling) means and when it should be used in our STC Explains channel. If you're interested, you can watch the video here:
Hope this helps.
Cathy Gladwin
Administrator
Staff member
@Sebastian great topic - and @Marzena STC & QTC has covered all key points so well. this inspired me to share this PAL decision tree to help anyone struggling with ‘may contain’ statements on labelling for allergens.
