So Coeliac Week 2019 is almost over – what do you know about this allergen?
All packaged food must include an allergen statement if that food contains any of the food allergens recognised in the Food Standards Code as either an ingredient or as what is called a processing aid. For all non-packaged food, there must be allergen information available for the purchaser. The essential requirement whether the food is packaged or not, is that the supplier must provide sufficient allergen information to enable the customer / consumer to make an informed decision on whether to purchase or eat the food or not.
The majority of allergic reactions from food occur from peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, sesame seeds, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. Another was added to the list in 2017, Lupin.
A useful poster is also available. You can download a copy (PDF 418KB), or for a printed A2 version at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/labelling/Documents/allergen-poster.pdf
Although wheat is the allergen in the list, it is not the only gluten containing material which must be declared. Any food containing wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt and hybrids (including triticale) must contain a gltuen declaration.
Those with Coeliac Disease have no cure, so to avoid the syptoms they must avoid eating gluten. So knowing that there is a gluten containing ingredient or other material in a food is essential to controlling this disease.
There are some exemptions to the allergen labelling requirements based on whether the foods have been processed so that they are suitable for Coeliacs and other people with specific food allergies. The details can be found at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/foodallergies/Pages/Allergen-labelling-exemptions-.aspx
The majority of product recalls in Australia over the last 10 tears have been due to undeclared allergens, which are costly both to the bottom line and to the reputation of those compnaies involved.
It is essential to ensure that the required allergen labelling is correct for all food businesses. The following is a useful link to assist – http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/labelling/Pages/Allergen-labelling-.aspx
If anyone suspects that a food has been incorrectly labelled or undeclared, the first point of contact is the local council or health department