Updated allergen reference doses, New VITAL® 4.0 released

The Allergen Bureau has recently unveiled the latest version of its VITAL® Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling (VITAL®) risk assessment tool, VITAL® 4.0, to support food manufacturers in managing allergens and making informed decisions about whether precautionary labeling is necessary for their products.    

The VITAL® program, first introduced in 2007, has long been recognized as a leading science-based framework for managing unintended allergen traces in food products. The tool considers a range of factors, including raw material contamination, manufacturing processes, and consumer consumption patterns, to assess the risk posed by allergen cross-contamination. Over the years, the VITAL® Program has undergone multiple updates to reflect advancements in allergen-related scientific knowledge and ensure it remains aligned with the latest research.    

The most prominent change in VITAL® 4.0 is the shift from using ED01 (Eliciting Dose 01) reference doses to the ED05 (Eliciting Dose 05) values. The ED05 is considered to be sufficiently safe, as it may provoke a reaction in no more than 5% of individuals with allergies. Extensive analysis of the risks associated with ED05 values has shown that the likelihood of severe or fatal outcomes is very low.  
This update aligns the VITAL® program with the recommendations made by the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation to the Codex Alimentarius Commission.    
The new reference doses are now integrated into the VITAL® 4.0 online calculator. This tool allows food companies to quickly assess the allergen levels in their products and determine the appropriate labeling requirements.    

As the food industry navigates the complex landscape of allergen management, the launch of VITAL® 4.0 represents a significant step forward in promoting a more transparent and standardized approach to addressing unintended allergen traces.      

 

Source:  

Allergen Bureau