A guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergen Labeling (Edition 5)
This final guidance will replace both the draft and final guidance documents on food allergen labeling that were issued in November 2022, and consists of questions and answers about food allergen labeling requirements. Of note is the modified list of “tree nuts” which now recognises nine provisory tree nuts also identified in the FAO/WHO expert reports, removing coconut and other minor tree nuts (chestnuts, shea nut, etc) that are no longer considered tree nut allergens for labeling purposes.
The definition of milk and egg allergens has also been expanded to encompass all ruminant milks and avian eggs, respectively.
As a result of these changes the Allergen Bureau will be updating the US Jurisdiction in VITAL Online to reflect only the new US tree nut list.
Consequently, certain tree nuts currently listed in VITAL Online will be removed as they are no longer be applicable.
To assess the potential impact on your recipes in your VITAL account, we suggest subscribers using the US jurisdiction, review ingredient formulations and check if any of the obsolete tree nuts, e.g. coconut (either as intentionally added ingredients or as cross-contact allergens) have been considered.
aimed at FDA employees, highlights how one might evaluate the public health importance of foods as potential major food allergens. FDA Releases Allergen, Food Safety, and Plant-Based Alternative Labeling Guidances.
