New advancements in biotechnology could dramatically alter many industries in the coming decade, including agriculture as well as food and beverage manufacturing. Thanks to the proliferation of plant protein gene-transference, researchers are now able to create new plant varieties with desirable traits from other species. However, some experts worry that gene-splicing could introduce food allergens into crops that were previously safe for the general public to eat, potentially creating a new type of food safety risk for the industry to navigate.
In April 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) weighed in on the potential food allergen risks in a preemptive response letter. Though this technology is not expected to impact food safety in the immediate future, it’s important for manufacturers and other industry stakeholders to be aware of and prepare to take action to mitigate potential risks down the line. Let’s look at some benefits from biotechnology in the world of food safety, as well as break down the concerns raised by the FDA letter.
Changing the genetic makeup of plants can provide a number of benefits for farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders throughout the food supply chain. Scientists are already working on modifications for:
While these benefits could be pivotal to overcoming the threats of climate change, food shortages, and inadequate nutrition, it’s unclear if proteins from known food allergens like sesame or wheat could cause reactions among consumers when introduced to new plants. In fact, the FDA is already thinking ahead about potential issues that could arise from these allergens.
Currently, the FDA does not anticipate any food allergen or food safety issues resulting from these gene editing techniques, but it’s important to remain prepared in the event they release new guidelines. Fortunately, there are three strategies food and beverage companies can implement now to help mitigate the risks of new food allergens:
By enhancing transparency with suppliers, manufacturers can make informed decisions about ingredient selection or update labels to warn consumers of potential food allergens. Here’s what you can do:
Expanding your food allergen testing program to raw materials suspected of containing allergenic food proteins can prevent unlabeled allergens from entering the market by mistake. In addition to discussing new plant varieties with suppliers, manufacturers should periodically screen individual ingredients from suppliers to ensure there are no undeclared allergens.
At this time, it’s not clear if new genetically modified plant varieties even pose a food allergen risk. However, in their April 2023 letter, the FDA stressed the responsibility manufacturers have to prevent unintended or unexpected food allergens in final products from reaching the market unlabeled. As they monitor the technology more closely, they may draft formal guidelines and policies around food ingredients produced by gene transfer technology. Staying up to date on the latest news is critical to maintaining compliance and upholding food safety standards.
Biotechnology like gene protein transference is critical to overcoming challenges like climate change, malnutrition, and other agricultural and food security threats. As research surrounding this new technology continues, regulators will draft policies accordingly to protect public health. AIB International can help keep you informed of new regulations, develop new processes, and navigate the complexities of compliance.
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