Food Allergy

Food Allergy

Improving the assessment and management of food allergen risks to protect people with food allergies

Task Force Information

Objectives and list of Task Force members

Contact Information

Contact details in case you have specific questions

Activity Overview

Overview of ongoing and upcoming activities

Expert Groups

Objectives, output and list of experts involved in each activity

Publications

List of publications of this
Task Force

Multimedia

Links to Task Force related documents, recordings and much more...

Completed Expert Groups

Details including experts involved of each activity

Task Force Information

Objectives

The Task Force aims at fostering an international evidence-based consensus on how to assess the risk from allergenic foods. Once identified the agreed method, the Task Force envisage developing tools to help manage the risks and protect all consumers.

Task Force Members

WP DataTables

* Scientific Advisors

Contact Information

For more detailed information, please contact Geraldine Borja at gborja@ilsieurope.be

Activity Overview

Ongoing

- Allergen Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA): The Development and Integration of Methodology to Link Emerging Tools with Risk Management Actions across the Supply Chain, including Precautionary Labelling

The expert group identified the methodological aspects that should be applied to allergen risk assessment within complex supply chains in real food production situations. The current focus of
the group is to create a Community of Practice (CoP) and a user-friendly guideline to assist various stakeholders in implementing QRA.

Start date: June 2023 | End date: December 2024

- Allergenicity Assessment of New Protein- Containing Sources and Ingrendients

An Expert Group on the allergenicity of novel proteins aims to facilitate the introduction of novel protein sources by promoting the tools for clearer regulatory environment, supported by better alignment between scientific test methodologies and risk management objectives. The current focus of the group is to disseminate their findings at events and developing webinars.

Start date: November 2019 | End date: July 2024

In the pipeline

- Define Barriers and Levers for the Effective Regulation of Precautonary Allergen Labelling (PAL)

Activity on barriers and levers for the effective regulation of Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL). The primary objective is to identify gaps that hinder the effective regulation of PAL and determine them necessary actions to address them. The ultimate goal is to establish a more uniform approach to PAL-related decisions.

Expected kick-off: Q4 2024

Expert Groups

Allergen Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA): The Development and Integration of Methodology to Link Emerging Tools with Risk Management Actions across the Supply Chain, including Precautionary Labelling

Background and Objectives

There is a growing global interest in integrating risk assessment as a part of allergen management, particularly for decisions on precautionary allergen labelling (PAL). This project developed a guidance on the methodologies needed for quantitative risk assessment and is currently adapting this document into a user friendly guidance for target audiences.

Output

After the publication of the Practical Guidance on the Application of Food Allergen Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) in 2022, the Expert Group has been actively disseminating this document at various events and offering specialised training.

In 2023, the group launched a Community of Practice (CoP) offering a unique opportunity to connect with a global network. Currently counting 158 members, the CoP brings together diverse stakeholders from across the globe, facilitating rich exchanges on overcoming barriers and sharing best practices through discussions and multi-stakeholder workshops. The group is now developing a user-friendly guide to help stakeholders apply the QRA guidance with ease.

Expert Group Members

 

WP DataTables

Allergenicity Assessment of New Protein-Containing Sources and Ingredients

Background and Objectives

The introduction of novel food products could expose the population to new dietary proteins. Assessing the potential allergenicity of these proteins is essential to their safe introduction, but remains a challenge.The activity is focusing on establishing the way different types of methodologies can be deployed to achieve a quantitative or semi-quantitative assessment of the risk posed by protein sources. The recently developed Adverse Outcome Pathway, for IgE-mediated sensitisation in particular, is considered.

Output

The aim of this activity is to facilitate the introduction of novel protein sources by promoting the tools for a clearer regulatory environment, supported by better alignment between scientific test methodologies and risk management objectives. The outcome of the Expert Group could be a toolbox for all involved in the risk assessment process for novel foods and ingredients, and should include how best to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders.

Expert Group Members

 

WP DataTables

Define Barriers and Levers for the Effective Regulation of Precautonary Allergen Labelling (PAL)

Background and Objectives

In most jurisdictions, allergenic ingredient labeling is regulated, but precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) remains voluntary. This lack of standardization leads to inconsistent PAL application. This EG aims to identify barriers and opportunities for effective PAL regulation, benefiting both Food Business Operators and Regulatory Agencies:

  • Conduct a literature review to Identify the current global regulatory framework for PAL statements (including FARRP databases).
  • Conduct interviews with a range of Regulatory Agencies to ascertain current regulatory risk management strategies as well as an inventory of interpretations against country / region specific regulations.

Output

This activity will result in a peer-reviewed publication and potentially a “Black & White” report (practical guidance).

Expert Group Members

WP DataTables

 

Publications

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The growing world population, changing dietary habits, and increasing pressure on agricultural resources are drivers for the development of novel foods (including new protein sources as well as existing protein sources that are produced or used in an alternative way or in a different concentration). These changes, coupled with consumer inclination to adopt new dietary trends, may heighten the intake of unfamiliar proteins, or escalate consumption of specific ones, potentially amplifying the prevalence of known and undiscovered food allergies. Assessing the allergenicity of novel or modified protein-based foods encounters several challenges, including uncertainty surrounding acceptable risks and assessment criteria for determining safety. Moreover, the available methodological tools for gathering supportive data exhibit significant gaps. This paper synthesises these challenges, addressing the varied interpretations of "safe" across jurisdictions and societal attitudes towards allergenic risk. It proposes a comprehensive two-part framework for allergenicity assessment: the first part emphasises systematic consideration of knowledge and data requirements, while the second part proposes the application of a generic assessment approach, integrating a Threshold of Allergological Concern. This combined framework highlights areas that require attention to bridge knowledge and data gaps, and it delineates research priorities for its development and implementation.

			
						Download the full paper
					


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Allergen cross-contact and unintended allergen presence (UAP) are a significant challenge for food operators.


The aim of this document is to translate the findings of the Expert Group on 'Food Allergen Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)' into a Guidance document which provides tools and approaches to help harmonize the data gathering process for food allergen risk assessments and therefore aid with their implementation. This Guidance aims to promote consistency in documentation, decision making and the application of allergen QRA.


The purpose of this Guidance is not to take an allergen labelling or risk management decision for the user, but rather is intended to help them decide when allergen QRA is appropriate or necessary, and how to decide if it can actually be performed and, if it is to be undertaken, what is the most suitable methodology.


The intended audience is mainly industry wishing to understand and conduct food allergen risk assessments, and potentially QRA. However, it should be noted, that this guide could also be useful for others, including official control agencies.


Citation: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6651934

			
							Download the Guidance
					


		Associated resources
	

	





[NEW]

Food Allergen Precautionary Labelling: A Risk-Based Approach.

Overview for Food Business Operators.

This short document is intended to provide an overview of food allergen Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) and how it can help decision making by FBOs, especially regarding PAL. It will also serve to raise awareness and uptake of QRA as an approach to food allergen risk assessment. Subsequent documents will provide information on how food allergen QRA can be applied effectively by FBOs located at specific points along the supply chain.


Download the overview here.



	
Tools and documents developed for use with the Guidance


    

  • Cross-contact / Contamination estimate calculator: A practical calculator to estimate the UAP in a product. This tool was initially developed by the EU project iFAAM and is kindly provided by TNO. It can be used for free after initial registration. Access here.
    • 

  • QRA calculation worksheet v4.4: Download here.
    • 

  • Incidents form: See Chapter 4 of the Guidance for more information. Download here.
    • 

  • Sampling & Analysis form: Download here.
    • 



Training videos


    

  • Webinar of 23 June 2022: Watch here.
    • 

  • Management of Operations: to be published soon
    • 

  • Incidents: to be published soon
    • 



Other resources


    

  • Presentation slides from the training "Demystifying the Risks of Allergy Risk Assessment" held at Food Allergy Forum 2023 - Download here.
    • 



For more information about the Food Allergy Task Force click here.



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		Food Allergy Task Force
		
	



		NEW APPROACHES FOR FOOD SAFETY
	

	
Quantitative risk assessment (QRA) for allergens exists in many different forms with different requirements placed on the risk assessor depending on the question that needs to be answered. An electronic workshop held in October 2020 and comprising representatives from a wide range of food allergy and allergen stakeholder groups identified that a summary of current best in class guidance, identified gaps, potential improvements & harmonization of allergen QRA arising largely from cross contact would be very beneficial. The current manuscript provides an introduction to allergen QRA and an overview of inputs potentially needed for different QRA methods, when deemed feasible and necessary. It also introduces the European branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI Europe) Expert Group (EG), created to attempt to achieve consensus on the methodologies needed for allergen QRAs by food business operators, and their implementation. Areas of focus include proactive assessments for food production under normal conditions, both in the upstream supply chain and in food production facilities, and reactive assessments as part of an allergen incident response. As a follow-up report to the October 2020 electronic workshop, the current manuscript provides an overview of allergen QRA and insights into the guidance being developed. This manuscript will itself be followed by more detailed guidance for allergen QRA published open access as an ILSI Europe report.

	
Link to download the full-text

			Keywords
							Expand
		
Allergens; Quantitative risk assessment (QRA); Supply chain; Incidents; Cross-contact; Precautionary allergen labelling (PAL)



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The growing world population, changing dietary habits, and increasing pressure on agricultural resources are drivers for the development of novel foods (including new protein sources as well as existing protein sources that are produced or used in an alternative way or in a different concentration). These changes, coupled with consumer inclination to adopt new dietary trends, may heighten the intake of unfamiliar proteins, or escalate consumption of specific ones, potentially amplifying the prevalence of known and undiscovered food allergies. Assessing the allergenicity of novel or modified protein-based foods encounters several challenges, including uncertainty surrounding acceptable risks and assessment criteria for determining safety. Moreover, the available methodological tools for gathering supportive data exhibit significant gaps. This paper synthesises these challenges, addressing the varied interpretations of "safe" across jurisdictions and societal attitudes towards allergenic risk. It proposes a comprehensive two-part framework for allergenicity assessment: the first part emphasises systematic consideration of knowledge and data requirements, while the second part proposes the application of a generic assessment approach, integrating a Threshold of Allergological Concern. This combined framework highlights areas that require attention to bridge knowledge and data gaps, and it delineates research priorities for its development and implementation.

			
						Download the full paper
					


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Multimedia

One-Pager

Sessions and workshops

Completed Expert Groups

Overview of completed activities