Precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) was introduced by the food industry to help manage and communicate the possibility of reaction from the unintended presence of allergens in foods. However, in its current form, PAL is counterproductive for consumers with food allergies. This review aims to summarize the perspectives of all the key stakeholders (including clinicians, patients, food industry and regulators), with the aim of defining common health protection and risk minimization goals. The lack of agreed reference doses has resulted in inconsistent application of PAL by the food industry and in levels of contamination that prompt withdrawal action by enforcement officers. So there is a poor relationship between the presence or absence of PAL and actual reaction risk. This has led to a loss of trust in PAL, reducing the ability of consumers with food allergies to make informed choices. The result has been reduced avoidance, reduced quality of life and increased risk-taking by consumers who often ignore PAL. All contributing stakeholders agree that PAL must reflect actual risk. PAL should be transparent and consistent with rules underpinning decision-making process being communicated clearly to all stakeholders. The use of PAL should indicate the
This paper sets out the role of the Allergen Bureau and the Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling (VITAL) Program from its origin in 2007 to its current iteration, VITAL 2. Herewith are outlined the scientific principles that support the program; the program's application in the food chain; and the benefits of the program's use to the food industry, clinicians, and the allergic consumer. VITAL was developed by the Australian and New Zealand food industry in consultation with multiple stakeholders, including consumer organizations, industry bodies, regulators, and retailers, to provide a standardized, science-based risk assessment process for the investigation of the potential presence of food allergens due to cross-contact and to determine whether, for cases in which the allergen is unable to be removed or controlled consistently, precautionary statements are required. The aim of the program is to provide a consistent process, a standardized approach, and a relevant cross-contact statement to allow the allergic consumer to make an informed decision regarding consumption of food.
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