Recall data
Very interesting, thanks for the share. I think that when you look at the % of recalls for each category, you'll find that labeling issues are driving up the numbers. I suspect that, in the past, people just weren't as 'on top of' allergen and ingredient integrity.
Our recent FDA inspection was not because we are a "high" risk facility. but was because we have a number of allergens on site,
Undeclared allergens are, and have been, the number one reason for recalls.
It's discouraging that industry apparently A) does not understand this or B) is not doing much to prevent it.
Marshall
I think there is alot if misinformation out there about allergens............most people just think of a "normal" allergic reaction, hives and itchy eyes
They do not understand that there can be dire life long implications with annaphylaxsis only being the most talked about one
And no industry isn't doing enough.....someone posted on this forum that they were going to use the same tank for whey as they do for peanut butter with no verification in place!!
I consider myself lucky that I've worked in poultry in the past (federally registered and inspectors onsite always) where operators HAVE to do whats required or they risk having the registration revoked
Our recent FDA inspection was not because we are a "high" risk facility. but was because we have a number of allergens on site,
Undeclared allergens are, and have been, the number one reason for recalls.
It's discouraging that industry apparently A) does not understand this or B) is not doing much to prevent it.
Marshall
I was at a conference with an FDA presenter (some type of regional supervisor) that basically said allergen mislabeling comes down to laziness, and Pharma has eliminated mislabeling and FDA will basically expect to see food companies implement pharma controls for labeling.
I don't like "pharma did it so it makes sense for you to do it", but it does feel like a lot of the allergen recalls out there do happen simple because no one is double checking that the right box was being filled...