What does May Contain actually mean?
These words may strike fear into the heart of a food allergy sufferer or it may just result in confusion. What does It really mean? Some manufacturers’ labels are sprinkled with May Contain X,Y or Z, some, may contain allergens and some don’t mention it.
The May Contain statement should ONLY be used after a careful risk assessment of the likelihood of allergens being in a product that doesn’t contain them in the ingredients list.
If they do, it could occur by cross contamination if they are used:
– in the same factory
– on a nearby line simultaneously
– on the same line at a different time
– in the same kitchen which is small
– or the allergen could be easily airborne.
If so, the precautionary allergen label (PAL) may be justified, but to use a generic label or statement can seriously reduce the choice of a food allergy sufferer, and the number of customers to a food business, and is now frowned upon by the Food Standards Agency.
Businesses should only use this label if the risk of contamination CANNOT BE REMOVED by managing the risk.
The Food Standards Agency has just reviewed its May Contain guidance for retailers and producers. Precautionary allergen labelling is voluntary and should ONLY be used if there is an unavoidable risk of contamination by an allergen. And, the allergen mentioned must be specific i.e. “may contain tree nuts” not just “may contain nuts” or “may contain allergens”.
This new guidance only applies to prepacked foods, however, food businesses preparing open foods must also be aware of the potential for cross contamination in their preparation or service areas (allergens are considered in their food safety management system /documentation) and have someone available in the business that can be contacted for further information.
Thank you for reading.
Karen Meadows of Safety in Action Ltd.
Do some free training https://allergytraining.food.gov.uk/
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Further advice is available via https://safetyinaction.co.uk/services/food-safety/
Food Safety Consultant | Worcestershire | West Midlands | Hospitality | Food business