Evidence of the labelling Provided examples of tree on the label, with the specific tree nuts listed in the ingredient NZMPI ‘contains nuts’ practice list. Woolworths policy is to identify the actual variety of tree nut within the ingredient listing and the may Woolworths contains/ contains statement only refer to tree nuts. If other tree nuts are in the manufacturing facility and have the potential for cross contact, the may contain/may be present statement will state - other tree nuts. Impact of the labelling practice This type of labelling information could be helpful to allergic consumers and those preparing food for ARFAID, NZMPI allergic consumers. Where consumers are avoiding all types of tree nuts the term is adequate (ARFAID). ‘tree nuts’ The information would be useful for consumers if there was a consistent protocol for declaring nuts Vic Depts, A&AA, (and consumers were educated about this) that required a statement with ARFAID, Tas generic “contains nuts” specific nuts identified in the ingredients list. The information should be consistent with the AFGC Guide (A&AA, Tas). This labelling practice assists tree nut sensitive customers make correct food choices as these are Woolworths commodity item, and there is a risk of potential cross contact from other tree nuts. The use of the broader term tree is preferred to mitigate risk of allergic reactions. ‘other nuts’ The arrangement described above is likely to be confusing for consumers particularly if there are some Allergy NZ tree-nuts they can tolerate. Some individuals can be allergic to one tree nut but not others and therefore specific information is ASCIA, ARFAID, more useful. Starship The usefulness of the information does however rely on the statement being correct. There A&AA, Starship ‘contains’ have been several instances where an allergen in the ingredient list has been missed in a ‘contains’ statement and foods are not recalled because the statement is not required by law. ‘contains’ is also a confusing word as it is it is unclear if this means tree nuts or peanuts. ARFAID, Starship ‘Nuts’
Evidence of the labelling practice Provided examples of ‘contains tree nuts’ on the label, with the specific tree nuts listed in the ingredient list. NZMPI Woolworths policy is to identify the actual variety of tree nut within the ingredient listing and the may contains/ contains statement only refer to tree nuts. If other tree nuts are in the manufacturing facility and have the potential for cross contact, the may contain/may be present statement will state - other tree nuts. Woolworths Impact of the labelling practice This type of labelling information could be helpful to allergic consumers and those preparing food for allergic consumers. Where consumers are avoiding all types of tree nuts the term ‘tree nuts’ is adequate (ARFAID). ARFAID, NZMPI The information would be useful for consumers if there was a consistent protocol for declaring nuts (and consumers were educated about this) that required a generic “contains nuts” statement with specific nuts identified in the ingredients list. The information should be consistent with the AFGC Guide (A&AA, Tas). Vic Depts, A&AA, ARFAID, Tas This labelling practice assists tree nut sensitive customers make correct food choices as these are commodity item, and there is a risk of potential cross contact from other tree nuts. The use of the broader term ‘other tree nuts’ is preferred to mitigate risk of allergic reactions. Woolworths The arrangement described above is likely to be confusing for consumers particularly if there are some tree-nuts they can tolerate. Allergy NZ Some individuals can be allergic to one tree nut but not others and therefore specific information is more useful. ASCIA, ARFAID, Starship The usefulness of the information does however rely on the ‘contains’ statement being correct. There have been several instances where an allergen in the ingredient list has been missed in a ‘contains’ statement and foods are not recalled because the ‘contains’ statement is not required by law. A&AA, Starship ‘Nuts’ is also a confusing word as it is it is unclear if this means tree nuts or peanuts. ARFAID, Starship
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