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DLG-certified allergen management

The certification standard for the prevention of unintentional allergen entries

Production conditions or pre-contaminated raw materials are the reason that unintentional allergen entries into food cannot always be completely ruled out. They pose great challenges for manufacturers, food monitoring and allergy sufferers. Because in relevant quantities, unintentional allergen inputs can also lead to allergic reactions in affected consumers.

Why does the market need the label?

Currently, there is no clear and uniform risk definition and assessment for unintentional allergen introduction in food. It is at the discretion of each manufacturer to inform whether or not there is a risk of unintentional allergen entry in a product. The new label fills the missing legal regulation and provides more certainty for all market participants.

What does the label represent?

The DLG label stands for tested allergen management in food processing companies. Unintentional allergen inputs in production are to be specifically prevented and actual health risks clearly communicated using uniform, up-to-date and scientifically based assessment criteria.

What are the advantages of the label for producers and retailers?

Certified manufacturers receive a unique selling point with which they can score points at the POS. This is because reliable allergen labelling on food means a significantly higher quality of life for those affected, as they have to observe fewer restrictions in their choice of food, among other things. Because the number of food allergy sufferers is constantly rising, the customer potential is also continuously increasing. This includes not only those directly affected, but also their relatives and friends who adjust their purchases to the food allergy sufferer.

The benefits at a glance:

  • Quick orientation and safe purchase decision for consumers when buying food products
  • 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 allowed to use the label?

Only food producers who have a certified allergen management system may use the "DLG-tested allergen management" label. A quantitative risk assessment of unintentional allergen entries is the basis of their allergen labelling.

What do the test criteria include?

Based on the latest scientific and medical criteria, the DLG, together with the DAAB e.V., has developed a certification programme for good professional practice in allergen management. In addition to the process certification of the food manufacturer, the focus is on risk assessment and communication of unintentional allergen inputs. The certification complements existing standards (e.g. IFS, BRC).

The test criteria include

  • A comprehensive in-house risk assessment with regard to unintentional allergen inputs
  • high requirements that are significantly above the legal standards regular allergen management audits at the production sites.
  • The DLG, as the certification body, is responsible for the audits of the production sites.

With ifp (Institute for Product Quality) and FIS Europe, two experienced partners could be won to carry out the audits. The certification includes, among other things, a document check, operational checks and a review of the laboratory analysis carried out.

If all requirements are met, food products may carry the DLG-tested allergen management label.

Who awards the label?

The label "DLG-tested allergen management" is awarded by DLG TestService GmbH in cooperation with the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB). (DAAB).

 

Questions about the label?

DLG TestService GmbH
Wöllsteiner Straße 16 • 55599 Gau-Bickelheim • Deutschland
Tel. +49 6701 20035-0 • Fax +49 6701 20035-40
allergenmanagement@dlgts.com • www.DLGTestService.com

Deutscher Allergie- und Asthmabund e.V.
An der Eickesmühle 15 - 19 • 41238 Mönchengladbach • Deutschland
Tel. +49 2166 647882-0 • www.daab.de