Precautionary Allergen Labelling: Towards a EU rule for PAL?

The global rise in food allergies and the intricacies of allergen risk management necessitate a re-evaluation of Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL) practices. The 2022 WHO-FAO report offers a robust scientific foundation with health-based guidance values (reference doses), yet PAL's inconsistent application leads to consumer confusion and distrust.    

Since January 2024, The Netherlands decided that the PAL warning should be on the pre-packed food only when there is really the possibility that the amount of the allergenic material in the portion of the product exceed the Reference Dose indicated by the WHO/FAO document. So, The Netherlands grapples with effectively translating allergen threshold doses into practical labeling solutions. The Dutch approach underscores the challenges and opportunities in harmonizing PAL with accurate risk assessment.    

It is now clear, however, the need for standardized methodologies in assessing allergen cross-contamination and the importance of analytical tools in verifying the presence of allergens. This webinar addresses these critical issues by fostering a dialogue among regulators, industry experts, healthcare professionals, and consumer advocates. We aim to explore how emerging threshold data can inform harmonized PAL frameworks, ensuring consumer protection without unduly limiting food choices.    

By examining the Dutch experience alongside global perspectives, we seek to advance allergen labeling practices that are both scientifically sound and consumer-centric, ultimately enhancing food safety and quality of life for allergic individuals worldwide.    

This webinar will provide valuable information to:    
• Food processors / Food retailers    
  - Food quality/safety managers      
  - Regulatory managers  
• Service laboratories  
• Test kits manufacturers  
• Food producers associations  
• Consumers/patient associations  
• Consultants  
• Students and researchers