Health and food safety politicians today backed a motion for a resolution to protect the health of Europeans by setting legal limits on the use of artificial trans fats.

Source: Time to cap trans fats in Europe, ENVI politicians tell Commission

During September 2016 the subject of food allergen testing was very much on my mind. I had attended a couple of events that had highlighted some of the good and the bad associated with analysis for allergens in food.

• We have generally effective and reliable tools for much of our routine testing, yet it is fascinating to see how far away we are from being able to take truly accurate and precise measurements as a matter of course.
• There are examples where analytical solutions do not perform satisfactorily, but in such instances combined and coordinated technical developments may provide high quality resolutions.
• The food industry can rightly point to some outstanding examples of allergen control and associated training, but even such systems must be well managed to be effective.
• There are still many examples of poorly implemented allergen control policies within the food industry, but the momentum of change is in a very positive direction.

Such thoughts brought me back to a very important point; which is that allergen control is definitely not about allergen testing. In fact, the most successful allergen control systems will require the least testing. This is because the best systems only need to use testing to confirm their effectiveness. Therefore, testing can be used to specifically target and challenge the weakest points within those systems. Costly allergen testing is kept to a minimum, and the useful information gathered from that testing is maintained at a maximum.

The fact remains that analysis for the presence of allergens should be no more than one small piece in the comprehensive jig-saw of allergen management within an FBO.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-chemist-annual-review-2015

We held our Annual Corporate Conference on Monday at The Brewery in London. The event was highly successful, with 120 people from across the industry attending the conference. A number of expert talks took place on the day on a range of topics. Speaking at the conference was Professor Clare Mills, Richard Wright QC, Julia …

Source: Annual Corporate Conference – Anaphylaxis Campaign

In EU, as well as in USA and other countries with different allergens requirements (e.g. Japan), the choice of the legislator is to specifically consider as “allergens” – for labe…

Source: QeA to EU Commission – Allergy to apples ?!

The US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) has launched the second generation of its Food Fraud Database (FFD 2.0).

Source: USP extends food fraud database capabilities

The first community driven standard performance requirements (SMPR) document for LC-MS/MS of food allergens has been published by AOAC.

Source: AOAC document ensures LC-MS/MS allergen methods are fit for purpose

LGC is attempting to establish the uptake of water in chicken raised and processed in the European Union as part of measures to ensure consumers are not sold water at the price of poultry meat.

Source: LGC work to help ensure consumers are not sold water at price of poultry meat

Introducing peanut-containing foods during infancy as a peanut allergy prevention strategy does not affect growth and nutritional intakes, a study shows…

Source: Peanut allergy prevention strategy is ‘nutritionally safe’

This guidance helps food businesses provide information to customers who need to avoid certain ingredients because of a food allergy or intolerance. It includes allergen information rules (EU FIC), general advice and information on food allergy and intolerance, and specific voluntary best practice guidance on cross-contamination controls for pre-packed foods and loose foods.

Source: Allergy and intolerance: guidance for businesses