Free-From Movement to Cut Through ‘May Contain’ Confusion
FreeFrom, the organization that runs the FreeFrom Awards, wants to create a logo that would allow manufacturers to label their products as safe from allergens. The working title of ‘Allergen-Safe’ would mean that manufacturers would be able to use this when they proved they met certain guidelines.
Currently, manufacturers may not declare products to be allergen-free and label them with warnings such as ‘may contain nuts’ because they are afraid to the potential liability resulting from accidents allergen presence.
Confused by Warnings
The move comes as research of 5000 FreeFrom’s newsletter subscribers reveals that 45% of consumers were totally confused by warnings such as ‘may contain nuts’ and almost half (45%) said that they always paid attend to the warning and never bought such products.
Michelle Berriedale-Johnos, director of the FreeFrom Awards said the system was at “total mess” and in a state of “complete confusion.”
She admitted it was early days but would be talking to food andufactueres as well last British Retail Consortium (BRC) about how to implrene t the system.
Risks
“If a manufacture has done everything right such that their allergen control is excellent and they have no risk according to the Food Standards Agency guidelines, they they would be able to use this logo,’ she said.
“The consumer would know that all the tests have been done and the risks are so small that they don’t have to worry about it.”
The move came as the BRC and Food and Drink Federation announced new joint guidance on free-from allergen claims aimed at food manufacturer and caterers.
The guidance advised food business operators on the appropriate use of the ‘free-from’ claims and provides an overview of the relelbvant UK and EU legislation.
by Michelle Perrett 09-Nov-2015 In a move to boost allergen safety, the Allergen Safe Scheme
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Food Allergen Labeling Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)
Health Canada’s Precautionary Labeling Etiquette
World Food Allergy Organizations Seek More Reliable Ingredient Labels
US Food Allergens Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information
Have you got an unequivocal term that the food industry could borrow?
Allergen Free?
Contains ‘No Xxxxxx’s’?
