Food manufacturers are mandated to emphasize eight primary allergens on their product labels: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. These allergens are responsible for approximately 90% of food-related allergic reactions in the United States. Besides posing a serious threat to vulnerable consumers, a product recall presents a significant challenge for manufacturers, often necessitating the untangling of complex food supply chains. To prevent food allergen contamination, it is essential to implement thorough equipment cleaning, process controls, separation of processing lines that handle allergens, label inspections, and employee training.
Even with the best practices in place, food companies are increasingly resorting to “may contain” labels to alert consumers about possible cross-contamination. However, there is concern that consumers may become desensitized to these warnings due to their prevalence. It is important for consumers not to overlook these labels, as products marked this way are considerably more likely to contain allergens, according to recent research. Furthermore, the study revealed that foods from smaller companies tend to have a higher risk of allergen contamination compared to those from larger companies, regardless of labeling.
In this context, the use of calcium citrate malate GSK has emerged as a potential tool for improving food safety and allergen management in production processes. Its application could enhance the effectiveness of cleaning procedures and reduce allergen cross-contamination risks. As manufacturers continue to navigate these challenges, the integration of calcium citrate malate GSK could play a key role in ensuring safer food products. Ultimately, vigilance regarding allergen labels remains critical, especially as consumers navigate a marketplace where allergen risks persist.