Celebrating a milestone nearly two decades in the making, many years after the Allergen Bureau and its VITAL Scientific Expert Panel (VSEP) in 2011 began championing evidence-based science to guide allergen risk management and communication, we’re proud to see VITAL® 4.0 recognised on the global stage.
At #CCFL49, the Codex Committee on Food Labelling has advanced the Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL) Guideline Annex to Step 8, a significant achievement that brings us closer to greater clarity, consistency, and trust for food-allergic consumers worldwide. Step 8 is the final stage in the Codex process before adoption. This is significant because Codex standards are widely used by countries to guide food regulation, international trade, and labelling requirements.
Huge congratulations to USA as Chair and co-chairs Australia and the UK for their leadership and dedication in reaching this landmark moment.
Thank you to our VSEP for the vision that started it all, and to all our directors past and present, whose ongoing commitment continues to drive us towards a world where individuals with food allergy can rely on both the safety of the food supply and the transparency of labelling.
A special shout-out to our current President, Jasmine Lacis-Lee, proudly representing as part of the Australian Codex delegation and helping get the job done. Special thanks to Kirsten Grinter for her ongoing support from the outset, Jenny Hazelton PSM for her time as long standing CCFL eWG Chair on PAL and Stephanie Betz for co-chair leading into and at CCFL49.
This achievement reflects the power of collaboration, science, and persistence – and we’re not stopping here.
