Allergen Scan

✔ Quick insight into the current status of the allergen management system
✓ Comprehensive and clear reporting 
✓ Practical improvement recommendations 
✓” Lower risk of errors and recalls 
✓ Suitable for every link in the food chain 

What is an Allergen Scan (Allergen Check)?

An Allergen Scan, also known as an Allergen Check, provides insight into the status of your allergen management system within a single day. We examine potential blind spots and (potential) risks in current procedures. One of our specialists will visit your facility for this. During the visit, we'll explore not only potential problems but also solutions and immediately implementable improvements. The scan not only provides an action plan but also offers valuable insights and support.
The aim is to prevent cross-contamination where possible, to provide the correct allergen information to the consumer or the next link in the chain (B2B) and to reduce the chance of errors and recalls.

Why choose an Allergen Scan?

Many organizations ask themselves: “What is the added value if we already have FSSC 22000, BRCGS or IFS?”
These schemes only address part of allergen management. They focus primarily on cross-contamination and labeling errors. 
Although cross-contamination (pillar 5) is often the focus of allergen management, other pillars are important. This is also evident from the analysis of the causes of food recalls. Allergens are particularly prevalent due to incidents involving product or label mix-ups (pillar 4) and incorrect label information (pillars 1-3). the main cause of recalls for years within the Dutch food industry. 
We take a broader view and look at issues that are overlooked or under-recognized during the food safety audit. A robust allergen management system consists of five core pillars. Only when all these pillars function properly can a system be truly reliable—and we assess this during the scan.

Contents Allergen Scan

During the Allergen Scan, the 5 basic pillars are assessed. The substantiation of any allergen warnings (Precautionary Allergen Labeling - PAL) on labels is also assessed. This is done using the Guidelines document of the Dutch allergen policy. This requires not only data on raw materials and recipes, but also on cleaning validation. The Allergen Scan assesses how and which allergen information is collected, how the information is recorded, and how it is subsequently incorporated into recipes and labels. The flow of information and communication between different systems and departments is crucial. A thorough assessment of the systems is therefore a key aspect of the Allergen Scan. validation of the cleaning The worst-case scenario and the substantiation of evidence will be discussed when cross-contamination cannot be completely prevented. 

• The five core pillars in detail. This includes: raw material management, recipe management, artwork, labeling processes, physical production and cleaning processes, planning, rework, internal transport and storage, product and packaging material identification, and cleaning validation.
• Substantiation of PAL (Precautionary Allergen Labelling) We check whether allergen warnings on labels are correctly substantiated in accordance with the Dutch allergen policy.
• Employee training and awareness
• Specific company policies and allergen claims

Intended for whom?

The Allergen Scan is suitable for any company that produces, packages, or sells food or food supplements, including the primary sector. It can therefore be applied throughout the entire supply chain, from raw material supplier to finished product. Within the entire food supply chain, it is important to manage allergens and communicate the correct information to the next link. The scan is often used for:

• supplier audit for raw materials, outsourced production or private label production
• root cause analysis of allergen incidents
• preparing for certification audits
• baseline measurement at new production locations

What can I expect?

An Allergen Scan consists of a company visit. We pay less attention to quality manuals, but rather to systems and often overlooked aspects such as master data management, recipe management, artwork, and information security for printed labels. A comprehensive tour of the production facility is also conducted. This includes attention to recipe security, rework, identification of incoming raw materials, semi-finished products, weighed raw materials for orders, packaging materials, and, of course, cross-contamination, planning, cleaning, and label checks. During the company visit, well-managed issues are highlighted and any areas for improvement identified. Where necessary, practical solutions are discussed directly.

Afterward, a clear and comprehensive report is produced, including photos and background information, areas for improvement, and recommendations. This report can be used to develop an action plan to elevate allergen management and reduce the risk of recalls. 

Why choose Allergenen Consultancy?

With years of experience and familiarity with common pitfalls in allergen management systems, we help you establish a well-functioning allergen system. With a team of highly experienced and practical specialists, we offer:

• More than 20 years of specialist experience in allergen management
• In-depth knowledge of typical pitfalls in production companies
• Practical experience in all types of business processes
• Continuous involvement in allergen policy and international developments
• Accessible, practical approach aimed at sustainable improvement

The Allergen Scan is a fast, thorough, and effective way to professionalize your allergen management and significantly reduce the risk of allergen errors.
Scans are conducted within Europe (language English, with hands-on support from operators if necessary). Interested in a Scan outside Europe?
Ask us about the possibilities.

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