IGD today announces the launch of its new allergen risk assessment template and accompanying guidance.
This significant initiative is set to bring greater consistency in allergen procedures and support improved food safety for allergy sufferers nationwide, IGD says.
With food allergies and intolerances rising across all UK demographics, the need for a consistent and effective approach to allergen management has never been greater. The new template will help to eliminate confusion caused by inconsistent labelling and ultimately support a safer shopping experience for consumers.
The new allergen risk assessment template is the result of extensive collaboration through IGD’s Technical Leaders Forum and Network which bring together senior stakeholders throughout the food and consumer goods industry, to discuss common technical issues and strategic opportunities.
Kate Reynolds, senior manager, resilience programme at IGD comments: “The launch of this allergen risk assessment template demonstrates how industry collaboration can deliver positive change. We understand that adapting to new procedures will involve some policy updates and staff retraining, but we see the template as a positive development, designed to streamline risk assessment, empowering teams to deliver safer food for all.”
Ross Dennison, technical director, Bakkavor and Technical Leaders Forum co-chair comments: “Together with the IGD, we are bringing retailers and food manufacturers together to create a consumer first approach to allergen management through a cross-industry framework.”
Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE, founder of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, said: “We are pleased that the food industry is coming together to improve allergen management. We welcome the launch of the new guidance and risk assessment template and hope this will give greater reassurance to the millions of people living with food allergies in the UK and their families.”
To explore the new approach, IGD will be hosting a free webinar on 9 September, 14:30–15:30. The event will feature Ross Dennison, technical director at Bakkavor, as project sponsor, alongside project leads who will share insights from the template’s development. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how the tool supports risk management, participate in a live Q&A and hear what’s next for the project group.
For more details on the allergen risk assessment template, visit the Allergen Risk Assessment Guidance for Completion and to register for the free webinar, please click here.
