FSIS announces verification of product formulation and labeling for most common food allergens
Undeclared allergens are the result of a failure in hazard analysis.
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service released a document containing instructions for inspection program personnel (IPP) to make sure facilities are labeling the eight most common food allergens accurately.
The “Big 8,” designated major food allergens by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) of 2004, are largely responsible for a sustained increase in the number of recalls of FSIS-regulated products between 2008 and 2012. An FSIS investigation into the rise in undeclared allergen recalls found most issues occurred due to a change in ingredient supplier, products in the wrong package or changes to product or ingredient formulation.