13 replies to this topic

[weaam]

Hello everyone,

we are in the process of implementation of BRCGS Issue 7, we are facing an issue that the supplier of the carboard cores of the reels cannot give us any test results showing the absence of allergens (starch, gluten).

We advice our clients to remove the last few layer that are in contact with the core. We cut and store core in a special room outside the production area.

Is this enough? what can we do more to avoid the risk of allergen from the cores?

Thank you in advance.

[GMO]

Why is the allergen there? Is it there? Have you visited the supplier?

[weaam]

In the process of production of the cores starch could be present unintentionally. 

No it is not there yet put if we want to buy from such suppliers what can we do to eliminate this risk?

[SHQuality]

In the process of production of the cores starch could be present unintentionally. 

No it is not there yet put if we want to buy from such suppliers what can we do to eliminate this risk?

This is the first time I'm hearing of starch being called an allergen.

What is the paper core made of? I can't think of any allergens that would be involved in the production of paper or cardboard.

[weaam]

It is made of recycled paper, but during the process of manufacturing starch is added and gluten could be formed (as per the supplier).

[SHQuality]

So, what kind of starch do they use?

[GMO]

Why would gluten be formed? Is it wheat starch they're using? 

[weaam]

Yes wheat starch 

[jfrey123]

Are you buying the paper cores to use in a film/bag making process of your own?  Or is your bag/film supplier telling you they use paper cores that contain wheat starch for film you purchase?  Have you gotten a paper core tested for presence of wheat allergen or gluten?

 

If you're a film manufacturer, I'd easily look at other paper roll providers who either don't use wheat starch or are willing to certify it poses no allergen risk.  There are too many other real hazards in our day to day to deal with a manufacturer who won't meet modern demands of purity when it comes to allergen controls.

 

And for me, this highlights a hugely under looked risk in packaging, where food allergen containing components are utilized in place of non-food grade toxic components.  In my first job we had pink colored poly drum liners for a specific customer, who gave us documentation that the pink dye in the poly liner was derived from shellfish husks.  Weirdly enough a couple of our auditors actually asked if knew what the dye was derived from, but luckily we had documentation in hand that the dye lacked any shellfish proteins and was sandwiched between two clear inert layers of plastic in the manufacturing process.

[GMO]

Wow, you've taught me something and I thank you for it.  Why are they using wheat starch? Why not use other starches? 

 

Is there still wheat protein in the starch? If so is there an option they could change to another starch? Or as the previous reply, another manufacturer they could sue for the reels or a completely new manufacturer?

 

Wowzer. If this is widespread then it calls in to question most manufacturers I've ever worked in. If it's not, then why the hell are they using wheat starch for this application when they could use, say, potato starch or cornstarch?

[G M]

Wow, you've taught me something and I thank you for it.  Why are they using wheat starch? Why not use other starches? 

 

...

 

That's my reaction as well.  Using wheat starch seems like an unusual choice.

 

Without some very good documentation to substantiate the allergen free claim I'm not sure it would pass muster.

[jfrey123]

This wheat starch could be similar to something like highly refined soybean oil.  I just had to question a supplier about their main ingredient being soybean oil without showing a soy allergen declaration in their mayo.  They provided evidence and a signed statement that they spec highly refined soybean oil, which meets FALCPA requirements to be free from soy protein and does not require carrying a soy allergen forward.

 

Quick google search suggests that wheat starch is typically washed to separate the starch from the protein, including the gluten.  From there, any trace amount in a paper roll would have very little likelihood of transferring to the food contact plastic, and even less likelihood of transferring an amount that would trigger the 20ppm gluten concern across the finished product.  Just spit balling some thoughts...

 

However, the fact this manufacturer doesn't want to help with any claims or evidence that this hazard is mitigated by their controls would give me some cause for concern.

[GMO]

Indeed that's what I was thinking, whether it's like highly refined oils and no protein is present. Still seems an odd choice when non allergenic starches aren't just available but cheaply so. Agree the attitude from the supplier is a concern.

[GMO]

I found this old post but it didn't seem to go far before petering out.

 

Allergens control for Paperboard process - IFSQN