The Allergen Bureau recently exhibited at the Food Allergy Asia Conference — a key regional forum co organised by ALSIN and ILSI, for sharing international insights and emerging science in allergen management. This event brought together leading global and regional experts in allergen management, labelling, and risk review.
The conference provided an exceptional platform to introduce the Allergen Bureau and the VITAL® (Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling) Program to a new and growing audience.
The event confirmed the growing awareness among businesses of the recommendations contained in the FAO/WHO Ad hoc expert panel reports on priority allergens, risk assessment for priority and regional allergens, Precautionary Allergen Labelling and the process for establishing allergen labelling exemptions.
While larger multinational organisations are already implementing quantitative risk assessment (QRA) approaches, many smaller or locally based businesses are still navigating foundational allergen labelling requirements — highlighting a clear opportunity for education and support.
The conference featured VITAL Scientific Expert Panel member, Simon Brooke-Taylor who took the audience through the recommendations of report four, establishing exemptions from mandatory labelling of priority food allergens. Additionally, Simon shared insights into the VITAL Program’s role in implementing risk-based PAL decisions. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, our role in supporting businesses by advocating for a harmonised approach across the global food supply chain remains clear.
We look forward to exploring future opportunities for engagement in Southeast Asia and continuing to contribute to the advancement of allergen management across international markets.
