allergen segregation

ALLERGEN SEGREGATION

Aden Dowell – RMIT University

What is ‘Allergen Segregation’?

• The action of setting something apart from others.

• Eliminate the cross contamination of allergens.

Why is it important?

• “Allergen proteins are naturally occurring and cannot be eliminated by cooking or baking.” – U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• No medications are currently available to cure food allergies.

• Trace amounts can cause severe allergic reactions.

The big 8

• Milk

• Eggs

• Peanuts

• Tree nuts

• Fish

• Shellfish

• Soy

• Wheat

Storage options (pallets)

Step 1:

• Allocate allergen specific pallet racks.

Storage options (pallets) cont.

Step 2:

• Create A3 signs to identify allergen pallet racking.

Storage options (pallets) cont.

Step 3:

• Wrap all pallets in stretch wrap.

Storage options (pallets) cont.

Step 4:

• Place plastic sheeting above the pallet before wrapping.

Storage options (small quantities)

Step 1:

• Install low level shelving for smaller quantities.

Storage options (small quantities) cont.

Step 2:

• Install partitions to separate different batches.

Staff management

Training• Quality Control department will

provide HACCP (Hazard and Critical Control Points) training.

Procedures• All allergen movements will be

tracked on the Warehouse Management System.

• Warehouse staff will be required to report all cross contamination.

Summary

• Trace amounts of an allergens can be lethal.

• Allergen segregation is paramount.

• Segregation is quick, cheap and effective… Compared to the alternative.