Australia/New Zealand approach to food allergens
2004
Abbott, P.
In Australia and New Zealand, there is now a set of common food regulations that cover composition and labeling. As a result, the foods and substances in foods that may cause severe allergy or intolerance in sensitive individuals must be declared on the label of packaged foods (in the list of ingredients). These foods include cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts and soybeans, nuts, royal jelly, propolis, bee pollen, and added sulfites in concentrations above 10 mg/kg. With the exception of sulfites, the new allergen labeling requirements apply when the listed food or ingredient is present in the food product, irrespective of the level at which it is present. Furthermore, the new regulations require that any products derived from these substances must be declared, irrespective of the level of refinement or processing. The new allergen labeling requirements recognize that, for some individuals, trace amounts of an allergenic food may cause a severe reaction. While the new regulations provide an increased level of protection for susceptible individuals, there is concern that in some circumstances the labeling requirements are causing compliance difficulties for industry. Examples of such difficulties will be presented. The current debate around the issue of threshold levels for allergenic proteins from certain foods may help to address these problems and establish international consensus on appropriate labeling.
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