AGQ Labs highlights testing in precautionary allergen labelling

Risk assessment and the prevention of cross-contamination are essential when deciding whether precautionary allergen labelling should be used on packaged foods. AGQ Labs has highlighted this issue following the publication of updated technical criteria by Spain’s Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN).

The procedure indicates that precautionary statements such as “may contain” should be used when a genuine residual risk remains that cannot be eliminated through good manufacturing practices. Decisions should therefore be based on scientific evidence and reliable analytical data rather than generic warnings without sufficient justification.

Preventing cross-contact should be the first measure. When the risk cannot be fully eliminated, an assessment should determine whether precautionary labelling is necessary to inform consumers.

In this context, specialist testing can help characterise risks, verify the effectiveness of control measures and support labelling decisions. AGQ Labs provides allergen testing services and emphasises the importance of selecting methods suited to each product and sample matrix.

The aim is to provide consumers with more consistent information, strengthen protection for people with allergies and avoid unnecessary warnings when they are not supported by a risk assessment.