Did you know May is food allergy awareness month? Did you also know that millions of consumers and their families are affected by food allergies and hypersensitivities? (16 million adults & 4 million children in the US) From mild symptoms like hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis, the impact is widespread.
At Clean Logix, we're dedicated to preventing cross-contamination and the spread of food allergens. But here's a real eye-opener: undeclared allergens make up a staggering 43.5% of all food recalls!
The FDA has established strict guidelines known as the 'Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food' rule. Under the CGMP & PC rule, 21 CFR part 117, establishments involved in manufacturing, processing, packing, or holding human food must follow specific requirements to prevent allergen cross-contact during manufacturing and packaging, as well as to ensure the accurate labeling of allergens. Facilities must implement written procedures to control allergen cross-contact between products containing allergens and those that shouldn't have them.
The FDA conducts inspections of food manufacturers to assess compliance with these regulations outlined in 21 CFR part 117. These inspections focus on minimizing or preventing allergen cross-contact and verifying the presence of appropriate controls for allergen labeling.
When standards are not met, FDA regulatory actions are put into motion. E.g. if cross-contact leads to unintended allergen presence, or if a product doesn't meet "gluten-free" requirements. These actions include warning letters, import refusals, seizures, and recalls. When recalls happen, the aftermath is alarming. Not only does it lead to panic and unnecessary food waste, but processing facilities and food producers also suffer from dismal sales of perfectly good products due to contamination concerns.
food recalls in 2022 increased by a whopping 700% compared to the previous year
Here's another startling fact: the number of food recalls in 2022 increased by a whopping 700% compared to the previous year!
Food safety should always be a priority, and that's why we're here to help. Check out Clean Logix's cross-contamination prevention equipment and join us in the fight against allergens. Together, we can make a difference!
Sources: foodsafetynews.com, fda.gov, aafa.org, federalregister.gov