One of the standout moments from FAMS 2025 was the strong spirit of collaboration and the multidisciplinary approach to tackling the complex challenges in food allergy care and communication.
Using this approach, a working group led by the National Allergy Council (NAC) and representing all stakeholder groups has updated the Australian and New Zealand Food Allergen Consensus Statement. Originally launched in 2022 as a world-first, the statement set a benchmark for advocacy and best practice in allergen management.
Following the FAO/WHO Ad Hoc Expert Panel’s recommendation that Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL) be underpinned by an ED05 Reference Dose, and the adoption of ED05 in VITAL 4.0, the group revised the statement to improve clarity around PAL meaning and roles across the supply chain.
The updated version now outlines the specific responsibilities of:
- Healthcare professionals
- Food safety regulators and enforcement agencies
- Consumers, packaged food manufacturers, and food service businesses
While there is still much to do, , Australia and New Zealand are fortunate to have strong alignment across sectors in protecting consumers with food allergy. This shared responsibility is a foundation we continue to build upon.
As education continues across the food ecosystem, we hope this updated statement becomes a model for other nations navigating the complexities of food allergen risk and communication.
