However, before this can happen, there are a few common roadblocks that may make standardizing the labeling process challenging. When implemented properly, modern label management can cost-effectively centralize labeling, reducing inefficiencies and human error. Disorganized Sprawl: A Major Hurdle to Effective Labeling But technology can help, and the farm-to-fork transparency provided by a centralized and digitized modern label management system can ensure organizations improve responsiveness and accuracy while reducing costs beyond those saved by mitigating recalls.
And this challenge is multiplied further when products reach across international boundaries. Though the underlying principle behind a clear label is simple, the process of designing such labels can be multifaceted and difficult to streamline-especially if labels are designed, printed and managed by separate users across a franchise or store network. The need for optimal allergen labeling is clear, so how can organizations ensure allergens are clearly labeled on their products and meet existing standards while preparing for future requirements? And in the UK, Natasha’s Law was recently introduced, requiring companies to label all food ingredients on fresh pre-packaged food after 15-year-old Natasha Ednan-Laperouse died of a sesame allergy from a sandwich that didn’t list all the ingredients. For instance, in a move that outpaced the FDA, Illinois issued a state law requiring sesame labeling. However, with constantly changing legislation, this can be easier said than done.
To prevent a health and business nightmare, best practices around allergen labeling must be top of mind. However, the impact to consumers can be even greater when one small mistake can cause serious illness, or worse, death.
“Major allergens” refers to milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans, and for nuts and shellfish, the species must be declared.įor brands, the damaging impact of mislabeling or neglecting to clearly outline an allergen can be colossal, resulting in costly recalls or litigation. This statistic becomes more alarming considering that roughly 11% of US adults have a food allergy, according to JAMA.Įnacted in 2004, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) stipulates that all packaged food regulated under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFD&C) comply by listing major food allergens. food recalls, accounting for 48.4% of food recalls from the FDA and 62.9% of food pounds recalled by the USDA. And one of the leading causes might just be the easiest to prevent: Undeclared allergens.Īccording to the Q2 2019 Stericycle Recall Index, undeclared allergens are the leading cause of U.S. No one wants to face a recall, but have you done enough to prevent one from happening to you? More than 650 food products were recalled last year in the United States alone. Luckily, technology can help, and the farm-to-fork transparency provided by a centralized and digitized modern label management system can ensure organizations improve responsiveness and accuracy while reducing costs beyond those saved by mitigating recalls. Therefore, to prevent a health and business disaster, best practices around allergen labeling must be top of mind. For consumers and brands alike, the damaging impact of mislabeling or neglecting to clearly outline an allergen can be colossal.