New Guide to Help Food Processors Control Potential Allergens

The U.S. FSIS releases new guidelines to assist meat, poultry, and processed egg product producers in properly managing ingredients that could trigger adverse reactions among consumers with allergies or other sensitivities. Over the last several years, in part due to new actions by FSIS, there has been an increase in recalls of FSIS-regulated products due to undeclared allergens. These problems often are caught by FSIS inspectors during labeling checks and are the result of changes to ingredient suppliers, products being placed in the wrong package, or changes to product or ingredient formulations. By following these new guidelines, establishments can better ensure that product labels declare all ingredients, as required by law, and that products do not contain undeclared allergens or ingredients.