IGD has announced the launch of its new allergen risk assessment template and accompanying guidance. The initiative aims to bring greater consistency in allergen procedures and support improved food safety for allergy sufferers.
With food allergies and intolerances rising across all UK demographics, IGD noted that the need for a consistent and effective approach to allergen management has never been greater. The new template will help to eliminate confusion caused by inconsistent labelling and ultimately support a safer shopping experience for consumers.
The new allergen risk assessment template is the result of collaboration through IGD’s Technical Leaders Forum and Network, which brings together senior stakeholders throughout the food and consumer goods industry to discuss common technical issues and strategic opportunities.
IGD was able to facilitate open dialogue in its role as an impartial industry convenor to coordinate the development of this industry-wide solution.
Kate Reynolds, the group’s Senior Manager, Resilience Programme, commented: “The launch of this allergen risk assessment template demonstrates how industry collaboration can deliver positive change. We understand that adapting to new procedures will involve some policy updates and staff retraining, but we see the template as a positive development, designed to streamline risk assessment, empowering teams to deliver safer food for all.”
Ross Dennison, Technical Director at Bakkavor and Technical Leaders Forum Co-chair, added: “Together with the IGD, we are bringing retailers and food manufacturers together to create a consumer-first approach to allergen management through a cross-industry framework.”
Meanwhile, Nadim Ednan-Laperouse, founder of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity, said: “We are pleased that the food industry is coming together to improve allergen management. We welcome the launch of the new guidance and risk assessment template and hope this will give greater reassurance to the millions of people living with food allergies in the UK and their families.”
To explore the new approach, IGD will be hosting a free webinar on 9 September, 14:30–15:30. The event will feature Ross Dennison, Technical Director at Bakkavor, as project sponsor, alongside project leads who will share insights from the template’s development. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how the tool supports risk management, participate in a live Q&A and hear what’s next for the project group.
For more details on the allergen risk assessment template, visit the IGD website
