2 replies to this topic

[AANNFF]

Hi All,

 

I was wondering how you store tree nuts in relation to an allergen program.  We have a bunch of tree nuts and currently have them broken out in our allergen program as Almonds, Cashews, or Tree Nuts.  We are about to add two more types of nuts to the facility.

 

Do you store your tree nuts as tree nuts or do you store them as the actual nut name?  For example, in our current warehouse, we can't store almonds over cashews or any other type of tree nut. Do you think that it would be OK to just call all the nuts (minus peanuts) Tree Nuts and be able to store almonds over cashews.  All of our packaging has a "may contain tree nuts" statement. 

 

I guess at the heart of my question is:  Can you label all the various types of Tree Nuts as Tree Nuts (Tree Nuts) and treat them all the same or do you have to treat them all as a seperate type of nut (Almond, Cashew, Brazil Nut, Walnut, Pecan, etc)?

 

Thank you in advance,

AANNFF

 

[SPL]

Your current allergen control method is the most perfered method by auditor i have dealt with and use.

I would not like change your current practices, keep them broken down by type and store with alike.

This method might require more resources; bin, tote, sotrage space and etc.  But the method aloows greater control over allergen management.

[jonboy47]

Although they are in the same general category, if there is any potential of cross-contamination you need to keep them separate from each other. 

 

The allergic reaction that the end consumer might have to a contaminated product, is the reason for putting an allergen program in place - if you think of it in that way, it makes sense.  Someone who is allergic to almonds, and buys a bag of cashews, doesn't care about categories - they're just interested in making sure there isn't an almond or almond residue in their cashew product.

 

The one situation that I might personally overlook them stored in the same vicinity is in a warehouse setting, where the packages are all completely sealed, and there is no possibility of them being opened up and potentially cross-contaminating each other (i.e. from sampling activities or other similar activities).  Keep in mind, best practice in this situation would be to address the storage of different nuts in your hazard analysis, and show the risk level / mitigation measures.

 

IMHO.