Orientation for people with food allergies
For people with food allergies, shopping is often accompanied by uncertainty. The statement “May contain traces of …” in particular frequently causes confusion: How great is the actual risk? And how should one decide? The production-related label “DLG-tested Allergen Management” provides guidance. It indicates that a manufacturer has systematically examined allergens in its production process, assessed them on a scientific basis, and manages them accordingly. Foods bearing this label therefore offer a more reliable basis for interpreting information about possible traces of allergens and for making informed purchasing decisions.
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What does the “DLG-tested Allergen Management” label mean?
The label indicates that the manufacturer works with a transparent, risk-based allergen management system and does not apply precautionary allergen labelling across the board, but on the basis of a well‑founded assessment.
- The “DLG-tested Allergen Management” label does not identify products that are specifically suitable for people with allergies.
- The label shows that a manufacturer applies a verified, systematic procedure for assessing and managing allergens at a specific production site.
- The focus is therefore not on the individual product, but on the scientifically based process used to evaluate unintentional allergen entries and derive the resulting labelling.
What does this mean for precautionary allergen labelling on the product?
A product bearing the “DLG‑tested Allergen Management” label may display two forms of precautionary allergen information:
- No precautionary allergen statement on the product:
If there is no statement about unintentional allergen entries (“precautionary allergen labelling”), the product has been assessed within the scope of the verified allergen management system as posing a very low risk. According to current scientific risk assessment, it can be assumed that the product will not trigger allergic reactions in the vast majority of allergic individuals. Only a very small proportion of particularly sensitive persons may experience mild symptoms. - Precautionary allergen statement present on the product:
If a statement regarding unintentional allergen entries is provided, a residual risk has been identified for the listed allergen that cannot be fully avoided under the existing production conditions. The statement is therefore based on a specific, transparent risk assessment and serves to inform consumers about a potential risk — not as a purely precautionary or blanket safeguard.
What is being assessed?
Based on the latest scientific and medical criteria, a production‑related certification programme for allergen management has been developed. In addition to the process certification of the food manufacturer, the focus is on the risk assessment and communication of unintentional allergen entries.
This is achieved through:
- a comprehensive internal risk assessment with regard to unintentional allergen entries
- high requirements that clearly exceed the legal standards
- regular inspections of production sites and/or processes. These inspections verify whether the company meets the specific set of requirements for good allergen management.
If all requirements are fulfilled, food products may carry the production‑related “DLG‑tested Allergen Management” label.
Who is permitted to use the production‑related label?
The production‑related “DLG‑tested Allergen Management” label may only be used by food manufacturers who can demonstrate an effective and verified allergen management system. The basis for this is a scientifically sound, health‑related risk assessment of unintentional allergen entries. This assessment forms the foundation for transparent and appropriate allergen labelling on the products.
Who awards the label?
The production‑related “DLG‑tested Allergen Management” label is awarded by DLG TestService GmbH in cooperation with the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB).
What are unintentional allergen entries?
Production conditions or raw materials that are already contaminated may result in unintentional contamination with allergens that cannot always be fully prevented by manufacturers. This poses a major challenge for everyone involved, as relevant amounts of such contaminants can also trigger unwanted allergic reactions in people with allergies.