Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Regulatory measures needed on unintentional allergen cross contamination

2^nd International Conference on Food Safety and Regulatory Measures

June 06-08, 2016 London,UK

Sylvia Pfaff

Food Information Service, Germany

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

The management of unintentional allergen presence has a lot of approaches worldwide. In some countries only the detection of undeclared allergens lead to a recall. On the other hand, some countries do not even inform allergic consumers after the detection of allergens if this is caused by cross-contamination. Both approaches cannot be right. We have to define when the allergic consumer is at risk (how much is too much), how to manage allergens in the food production (what are the best steps in an allergen management system) and how to react if unintentional allergen presence is detected (how to assess the risk, what kind of measurements are necessary, how to inform the allergic consumer). In this Breakout Session, we will highlight the issue from different angles. This speech will cover: Setting the scene �?? why is regulation of allergen cross contamination important? Summary of German stakeholder conference November 2015 - tolerable reactions after allergen intake, protection of allergic consumers, agreed action level for peanut and portion size and gaps in research and analysis and further steps and measurements of regulators.

Biography :

Sylvia Pfaff studied Food Chemistry in Hamburg. She works as a Consultant for the food industry since 1996. Her main work experiences are food safety and quality management, allergen management, GMO issues, hygiene and packaging. She was in all research projects directly involved. She has therefore intense experience with innovation projects on national and European level; close networks to food companies, retailers and science. At FIS Europe, she works on several projects concerning integrated management systems for the food business where consumer issues are important. She organises seminars, workshops and focus groups regularly. She was involved in the EU research projects SPAS, Consumer Choice and EuroPrevall. Currently, she works with the German Patient Organisation on allergen management and allergen labelling.

Email: sylvia.pfaff@web.de