Using Diagnostic Tools for Validation and Verification of an Allergen Control Program

This paper is the second in a series focused on testing. The first paper provided an overview of raw material, finished product, and environmental testing, with a focus on allergen testing. This paper will walk through how an allergen control program can play a role in assuring there are no undeclared allergens in food products. This paper is designed to:

• Provide the basic background information for
• Raw material and finished product testing for undeclared allergens
• Food contact surface testing to verify they are free of residual allergens
• Explain how the FDA final Preventive Controls Rule for Human Food addresses allergen controls
• Illustrate how FDA has updated the sanitation of food and non-food contact surfaces to emphasize allergen control
• Explain how allergens are addressed within GFSI schemes
• Describe the considerations when determining the best way to include testing in your food safety program

At the end of this paper, we trust you will have a better understanding of how allergen testing can be used in the food industry, the factors influencing testing both product and food contact surfaces, how the proposed regulations have focused on the need to control allergens, and the benefits allergen testing provides.