The Risk of Undeclared Allergens on Food Labels for Pediatric Patients in the European Union

Martínez-Pineda, M. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Yagüe-Ruiz, C. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: The dietary avoidance of allergens has been widely recognized as the key intervention in the management of food allergies, but the presence of undeclared allergens makes compliance difficult. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of undeclared allergens in food labeling through RASFF notifications in the European Union, focusing on those allergens that frequently affect the pediatric population and the implicated products, so as to provide useful information for its risk evaluation and the development of educational materials for patients. The results showed milk (20.5%), gluten (14.8%), and nuts (10.9%) to be the pediatric allergens with higher presences. In 80% of the notifications concerning milk and milk derivatives, the specific compound present (lactose or lactoprotein) was not identified. They were mainly present in cereal and bakery products, prepared dishes and snacks, and cacao and confectionery products, all of which are frequently consumed by the pediatric population. The large quantity (7.6%) of undeclared allergens in “free-from-allergen” products was also remarkable, especially in regard to the supposedly not-present allergens. Undeclared allergens in food products pose an evident risk for allergic patients and knowledge of them should take a relevant role in a patient’s nutritional education. It is also necessary to raise awareness among manufacturers and safety authorities. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/nu14081571

Año: 2022

Publicado en: Nutrients 14, 8 (2022), 1571 [21 pp]
ISSN: 2072-6643

Factor impacto JCR: 5.9 (2022)

Categ. JCR: NUTRITION & DIETETICS rank: 17 / 87 = 0.195 (2022) - Q1 - T1

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 9.0 - Nursing (Q1) - Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Q1)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 1.291 - Nutrition and Dietetics (Q1) - Food Science (Q1)

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/A06-20R

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Nutrición Bromatología (Dpto. Produc.Animal Cienc.Ali.)