On Monday, 20 July 2026, several updates will be released to VITAL® Online. These updates may require you to review your products, as in rare cases they could impact the outcome of your cross-contact allergen assessments (for example, where a precautionary statement may no longer be required).
Key Areas Affected
- Outcomes for grouped tree nut cross contact allergens
- Other technical amendments recently implemented, including:
- Search box improvements showing dropdown listings
- Minor report text amendments
- PDF report descriptor change when downloading
- Change of label from “Reference Amount Assumptions” to “Assumptions”
Update on Tree Nut Grouping
Following a review by the VSEP, the VITAL Program (including VITAL Online) has updated its approach to tree nut grouping.
VITAL 4.1 – New Approach
- Each tree nut is now considered individually, against its respective RfD and cross contact concentrations are no longer summed.
- There are no changes to the actual Reference Doses. View the FAQ
- Tree nuts remain grouped for reporting purposes only.
Why This Change?
The previous approach was conservative, recognising that not all tree nuts in previous VITAL Versions (2 and 3) had data to support RfDs. There are now recommended RfDs for all individual nuts and therefore grouping is no longer required.
This change:
- Continues the link between the VITAL Program and best in class evidence-based science
- Prevents unnecessary over-declaration of tree nuts in cross contact labelling
- Simplifies the application of RfDs
Update on Gluten-Containing Cereals
Across all jurisdictions, the labelling outcome will now display both the cereal source and gluten, in this way:
- barley, gluten
- oats, gluten
- rye, gluten
- wheat, gluten
Why This Change?
This update supports global alignment in how cereals containing gluten are displayed within VITAL Online, while allowing for differences in allergen declaration requirements between jurisdictions.
Displaying both the cereal source and gluten (e.g. “barley, gluten”) provides consistent identification of the allergen(s) requiring a labelling decision. The appropriate declaration terminology and format must then be determined according to the local regulatory requirements where the food is sold.
A further update to VITAL Online will come in the following months, to reflect the change to the 4mg Gluten Reference Dose.
Next Steps for Users
Account Owners must use the “Update All” function to refresh recipes. This functionality is only accessible to Account Owners.
For further information, contact the Allergen Bureau Free Helpline.
Reminder on VITAL Labelling Outcomes and Labelling
The VITAL Program and VITAL Online identify allergens that require labelling consideration, whether due to intentional inclusion or cross contact. However, they do not prescribe the specific wording, format, or placement of allergen declarations on labels.
Users must apply the relevant regulatory requirements in the country of sale to determine how allergens are declared, including the correct terminology and whether this appears in the ingredient list, summary statement, precautionary allergen label (PAL), or another format.
It is important to note that terminology may differ between intentionally added allergens and precautionary labelling. For example, a specific grain may need to be declared when intentionally added, while precautionary statements may refer more broadly to gluten, depending on the jurisdiction.
Ultimately, while VITAL identifies allergens requiring a labelling decision, it remains the responsibility of the risk assessor to ensure the final label wording and format comply with local legislation.
