FSANZ provides better access to allergen information

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has launched a new look Food Allergen Portal to provide people with easier access to resources on managing allergens in food.

Food allergies are potentially life threatening, and they require sufferers to carefully avoid certain foods that may contain or come into contact with food allergens.

Every part of the industry has a responsibility to uphold food safety and help consumers manage food allergies, which is why there are certain laws such as mandatory labelling to provide accurate food allergen information.

Created by the Allergen Collaboration in 2011, the portal provides information to food manufacturers and retailers, the foodservice industry, childcare centres and schools, government organisations, health professionals and consumers. The updated version is easier for people to navigate, with each section providing key messages and resources.

“Food allergies can be a matter of life and death so it is vital that each sector can easily find the best available information to help those living with food allergy. All sectors of the community need to be aware of their responsibilities and how they can help people who have a food allergy,” said FSANZ CEO Mark Booth.

“This portal is an excellent example of what can happen when all stakeholders collaborate to achieve a single purpose.”

It also highlights the most recent food recalls due to undeclared allergens, which includes Seafood Salad from Kailis Bros for blurred labelling, Pork BBQ Spicy from Han Ga Wee for the presence of undeclared shellfish and Coles Sugar Free Dark Chocolates for the presence of undeclared milk.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/glisic_albina