/>i- USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will begin testing products for the presence of allergens in its new allergen verification sampling program. The sampling will occur at establishments that produce ready-to-eat products with labeling that claims the absence of at least one of 14 food allergens, including soy, crustacean shellfish, eggs, peanuts, milk, almond, Brazil nut, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, macadamia, pine nut, pistachio, and walnut. FSIS will also test for gluten and intends to expand the program to include sesame.
- According to the FSIS website, unreported allergens make up 37% of recalls of FSIS-inspected products, with 12 recalls for unreported allergens so far in 2024. FSIS is implementing this program to expand its industry compliance verification by significantly expanding and replacing the current soy testing program, broadening the scope to include multiple allergens. FSIS aims to ensure the accuracy of labeling claims in ready-to-eat products, which will enhance consumer safety.
- FSIS intends to issue instructions to inspection program personnel by July 26, 2024. In addition to the new sampling program, USDA is working to increase allergen awareness with food safety and allergen tips for parents and caregivers.
FSIS to Begin Testing for Allergens in Ready-To-Eat Foods
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
