‘May contain’ labels to be reassessed
04th October 2016
If these ‘reference dose’ action levels are accepted by the EU Member States and allergic consumers themselves, it would mean a more uniform approach to ‘may contain’ labelling.
It would also result in a large reduction in such labels, which have proliferated as manufacturers sought to provide a due diligence defence against potential litigation.
Should the new system be adopted, foods would be safe to eat by the vast majority of people, provided they contained no more than the threshold level of a particular allergen. Experts believe it would also reduce the “risk taking” that currently happens with a number of allergy sufferers.
You can read the full article HERE
Food Labelling Services comments:
A reference dose would allow clarity for both the consumer and the manufacturer on whether an allergen should be declared or not. However, there will be a cost associated for testing the products for allergens - will this get passed onto the consumer?