The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA in Portuguese) invites interested parties to participate in the virtual sectoral dialogue on the revision of allergenic food labeling, which will take place on April 29, Tuesday, from 14h30 to 17h00. Participation in the dialogue is open to all, without prior registration.

The meeting aims to present and discuss

• The current Codex Alimentarius recommendations on the labeling of allergenic foods,
• The requirements to be addressed in the process of revising health regulations.
• The planning of the General Directorate of Food (GGALI) to carry out this intervention.

To support stakeholder participation in the sectoral dialogue, ANVISA developed a basic document on the revision of allergenic food labeling.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a draft Compliance Policy Guide to provide guidance for FDA staff on the FDA’s enforcement policy regarding major food allergen labeling and cross-contact.  The draft CPG more accurately reflects FDA’s thinking on major food allergen enforcement policy based on the current regulatory framework and latest science. When finalized, it will replace the existing CPG 555.250 for FDA staff.

Among the updates, the draft CPG describes the labeling requirements for major food allergens and the proper use of the ingredient list and the “Contains” statement for major food allergen declarations. It also describes requirements for firms to implement controls to prevent or significantly minimize allergen cross-contact. Further, the draft CPG describes additional allergen labeling violations. It also directs FDA staff to examine potential product adulteration due to allergen cross-contact as well as potential labeling violations. The updated CPG reflects the FDA’s risk-based and science-based approach for the evaluation of potential allergen violations.

Together with scientific advice from FAO/WHO, the Codex Committee has for some time been thoroughly analyzing different aspects of the current regulations on mandatory labeling of prepackaged foods, mainly in terms of allergen declaration.