DLG TestService: DLG-certified allergen management

The production-related certification standard for preventing unintended allergen contamination

Production conditions or contaminated raw materials mean that unintentional allergen contamination in food cannot always be completely ruled out. This poses major challenges for manufacturers, food inspectors and allergy sufferers. This is because, in relevant quantities, even unintentional allergen contamination can cause allergic reactions in affected consumers.

Why does the market need the production-related label?

Currently, there is no clear and uniform definition and assessment of risk for unintentional allergen contamination in food. It is at the discretion of each manufacturer to provide information on whether or not a product poses a risk of unintentional allergen contamination. The new production-related label closes the gap left by the lack of legal regulation and offers greater certainty to all market participants.

What does the production-related label stand for?

The production-related DLG label stands for certified allergen management in food processing companies. The aim is to specifically prevent unintentional allergen contamination in production and to clearly communicate actual health risks using uniform, up-to-date and scientifically sound assessment criteria.

What advantages does the production-related label offer manufacturers and retailers?

Certified manufacturers gain a unique selling point that they can use to their advantage at the point of sale. Reliable allergen labelling on food products means a significantly higher quality of life for those affected, as they have fewer restrictions to consider when choosing food. Because the number of people with food allergies is constantly rising, the customer potential is also growing steadily. This includes not only those directly affected, but also their relatives and friends, who have to take food allergies into account when shopping.

The advantages at a glance:

Quick orientation and confident purchasing decisions for consumers when buying food
Greater customer potential by avoiding unnecessary ‘may contain’ labelling (so-called ‘trace labelling’)
Unique selling point
Documented proof of ‘good manufacturing practice’
Compact information at www.DLG-Allergene.de

Who is permitted to use the production-related label?

Only food producers who have a certified production-related allergen management system may use the production-related label ‘DLG-certified allergen management’. Their allergen labelling is based on a quantitative risk assessment of unintentional allergen contamination.

What do the test criteria include?

Auf Grundlage neuester wissenschaftlicher und medizinischer Kriterien hat die DLG gemeinsam mit dem DAAB e.V. ein produktionsbezogenes Zertifizierungsprogramm für die gute fachliche Praxis im Allergen-Management erarbeitet. Neben der Prozess-Zertifizierung des Lebensmittelherstellers liegt der Fokus auf der Risikobewertung und -kommunikation unbeabsichtigter Allergeneinträge. Die produktionsbezogene Zertifizierung ergänzt bestehende Standards (z.B. IFS, BRC).

The test criteria include

a comprehensive internal risk assessment with regard to unintentional allergen contamination
high standards that significantly exceed legal requirements
regular allergen management audits at production facilities

The DLG is responsible for auditing the production sites as the certification body. With the ifp (Institute for Product Quality) and FIS Europe, two experienced partners have been recruited to carry out the audits. Production-related certification includes document checks, operational controls and verification of the laboratory analyses performed.

If all requirements are met, food products are permitted to carry the production-related label ‘DLG-certified allergen management’.

Who awards the label?

The production-related label ‘DLG-certified allergen management’ is awarded by DLG TestService GmbH in cooperation with the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB).