Ice Chips: Answers to Your Toughest QA Questions

Q. We are a small co-packing operation, and have taken on new products that have allergens we have not worked with in the past. One challenge we are having is getting our employees to recognize how important it is to follow the right procedures. How can we raise their awareness about allergens?

A. One of the biggest challenges of an allergen awareness program is to get people who have never experienced the effects of a food allergy to realize just how important they are. The goal is to educate employees on the impacts of undeclared allergen in a food product and to make them aware of the steps that need to be taken to prevent it from happening.

Allergen awareness programs educate all plant employees on allergen facts using posters, videos or CDs. Also, outside professional educators can help emphasize just how serious the issue is. Clear and easy-to-understand policies and procedures need to be developed to handle all identified allergens at the facility. This begins with getting the information from your suppliers and having receiving personnel identify them upon arrival and isolate them in storage.

A color-coded map that indicates where all allergens are stored and used can help personnel identify which allergens pass through their work areas.

Accordingly, they can be made aware of specific handling and cleaning procedures needed for particular products. All employees, including maintenance and sanitation personnel, who have any association with the areas must be included in the awareness program.

Ultimately, allergen awareness starts with management and its commitment to develop and implement a comprehensive allergen control program. They must make it a priority and let their employees know how important it is. Management needs to be committed to developing the program, educating employees, adhering to the policies and procedures without exception. Their commitment to this vital program is critical to its success. AIB

The author is Head of Food Safety Education, AIB International.

Clear and easy-to-understand policies and procedures need to be developed to handle all identified allergens at the facility. This begins with getting the information from your suppliers and having receiving personnel identify them upon arrival and isolate them in storage.