Managing food allergen risks in industry
The Allergen Bureau is the peak industry body representing food industry allergen management. The Allergen Bureau draws on, and disseminates the latest science and regulatory information from around the world on food allergens, including emerging food allergens.
The growth in the incidence of food allergens is an international phenomenon. We are driven by our vision of a trusted food supply for allergen sensitive consumers around the world. Our mission is to lead the global food industry in best practice allergen management, sharing information that builds trust and transparency that supports allergen sensitive consumers to make informed choices.
Best practice allergen management guidance
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code stipulates that any of the major food allergens or their products must be labelled when present in a manufactured food as an ingredient, additive or processing aid or a component of one of these. The allergens that must be labelled are: wheat (of the genus Triticum, including spelt, and its hybridised strains such as triticale); specific named tree nuts: almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, macadamia, pecan, pine nut, pistachio, and walnut; fish (finfish); crustacea; molluscs; egg; lupin; milk; peanut; sesame; and soybean. In addition to allergens, gluten (from wheat, rye, barley, or oats) and added sulphites (present at 10mg/kg or higher) must also be declared due to their potential to cause non-allergic, hypersensitivity reactions.
Established in 2005 in Australia and New Zealand, the Allergen Bureau is a wonderful example of cooperation amongst competitors in the food industry, with national and multi-national food manufacturing and marketing companies, suppliers, importers, exporters, retailers, consumer groups and health professionals sharing information on managing the risks of food allergens in industry in the interests of consumers.
Our members from Oceania, Europe, Asia, USA, Canada and Africa include representatives from food industries, research groups, health professionals and consumers in these regions.
Informing the food industry
So, what is the Allergen Bureau doing that is new to inform the food industry? Anticipating our drive to lead the global food industry in best practice allergen management, the Allergen Bureau has recently embarked on a refresh of our trusted brand. The Allergen Bureau is also active on key social media platforms, to ensure we are easy to find and can update and engage with our followers with the latest food allergen news and information from around the globe.Find out more about the benefits of Allergen Bureau Membership.
