Since 2008 there has been a sustained increase in the number of FSIS-regulated products that contain undeclared allergens. Frequently in the news we hear about a company recalling a product due to an undeclared allergen. To help processors understand what it takes to effectively control allergens, in April 2014, FSIS published FSIS Compliance Guidelines – Allergens and Ingredients of Public Health Concern: Identification, Prevention and Control and Declaration Through Labeling. It can be found on the FSIS website www.fsis.usda.gov

Use of the guidelines is not a requirement. However, if a company does not use the guidelines, they need to provide support that their procedures effectively control allergens.