Allergen management under a voluntary PAL regulatory framework – A survey of Canadian food processors

Dominguez, Silvia A.; Théolier, Jérémie; Povolo, Beatrice; Gerdts, Jennifer; Godefroy, Samuel Benrejeb

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11302

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 27 publications

(30 reference statements)

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“…Overall, the results of this market survey indicate that, in Quebec, prepackaged foods carrying “vegan” or “plant-based” labels pose little risk to egg- or milk-allergic consumers. However, given the high prevalence of Canadian brands among the products surveyed (51/84), this is most likely due to allergen management practices applied by this industry [ 33 ], and should not be attributed to the use of “vegan” or similar labels. These claims are not regulated with respect to the content of ingredients of animal origin and must not be interpreted as such by consumers allergic to animal proteins.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“Vegan” and “plant-based” claims: risk implications for milk- and egg-allergic consumers in Canada

Dominguez,

Théolier,

Lizée

et al. 2023

Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol

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The market share of foods carrying labels suggesting absence of animal ingredients has significantly increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to document the purchasing behaviour of egg- or milk-allergic consumers vis-à-vis food marketed as “vegan” and “plant-based”, and to evaluate the associated allergenic risk. A survey was conducted among egg- and milk-allergic consumers and revealed that 86% (margin of error 5.4%; confidence level 95%) would buy “vegan” products, indicating this label may be perceived as a substitute for “free from milk and eggs”. To assess the risk posed by these products, 87 prepackaged foods with “vegan” and/or “plant-based” claims purchased in Quebec were tested for milk proteins, and 64 for egg proteins. Overall, 5.7% and 0% occurrence of milk and egg proteins, respectively, were observed, suggesting that the analysed prepackaged foods carrying “vegan” and/or “plant-based” labels pose little risk to egg- or milk-allergic consumers. However, this is likely due to allergen management practices applied by the Canadian manufacturers of the products tested, and should not be attributed to the use of “vegan” or similar labels. Enhanced regulatory requirements for the use of these labels, and an education campaign on their meaning with respect to allergy-related risks, are necessary to better inform and protect egg- and milk-allergic consumers.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%