The Role of Organic Certified Ingredients in Ensuring Allergen-Free Food Products
An estimated 3.5 to 4% of US individuals suffer from food allergies, including around 6% of adults and 8% of children. Recent McKinsey data suggests that the number of American children experiencing food allergies has been increasing around four times faster than the population for at least two decades1.
Common allergic reactions include mild to severe skin, digestive, and respiratory symptoms2. Beyond being related to particular food types such as nuts, dairy, wheat, and eggs, these allergic responses and sensitivities are frequently associated with pesticides used in conventional farming.
Instead, to reduce allergens in food products, organic ingredients are grown without using synthetic, allergenic pesticides, fertilizers, irradiation, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These farmers rely on natural methods to control pests and weeds and improve soil quality and fertility.
The Benefits of Organic Food in Reducing Allergies
Organically grown food also retains more nutrients, benefiting consumers beyond being non-allergenic by providing increased immune and healing support. Additionally, organic food typically has no or fewer artificial additives such as preservatives, synthetic flavor, and coloring. Their less processed nature may also help prevent manufacturing cross-contamination with allergens, further minimizing potential allergies and sensitivities.
At the same time, not all organic products are as naturally produced as they claim. How can you judge which organic fare is as pesticide-free as you and your consumers expect? Thanks to organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and their National Organic Programme (NOP), certification is available to confirm that the ingredients you’re buying are organic.
What Does Organic Certification Assert?
A USDA organic certification, for example, guarantees that the grower meets expected standards in:
- Absence of synthetic products and chemical use
- Absence of GMOs
- Natural cycle and animal welfare respect
- Soil fertility conservation
- Biodiversity preservation
- Environment and Climate
- Transparent labeling for consumers
The certification is provided by a USDA-accredited agency such as Ecocert. It applies to “Organic,” “100% Organic,” and “Made With Organic” labels.
Allergen Control Safety Measures in Food Production
Due to the potential for significant allergic reactions to food allergens, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces regulations to protect those with food allergies and hypersensitivities. These rules require food and beverage manufacturers to list ingredients on packaged foods.
The FDA also guides the industry on how best to manage allergens in foods. It conducts sampling and inspections to ensure cross-contamination controls are in place in food facilities and that comprehensive and proper labeling is used. Non-compliance can result in voluntary or forced product recalls and import refusals.
The production control level is higher for organic farming, with more stringent standards to ensure products are organically grown with minimal additives, synthetics, and processing. The extent of the claims depends on the proportion of organic ingredients included. Ingredients with potential allergens must be listed stringently as in conventionally produced offerings.
Embrace Organic Ingredients to Increase Consumer Trust for Allergen Avoidance
While offering various health benefits, organically produced food, even certified organic products, are not necessarily hypoallergenic. At the same time, although conclusive research is still emerging, observation does suggest potential advantages of organic over conventionally grown food for avoiding allergic triggers.
As a result, beyond studying labels, avoiding categories altogether, and paying extra for high-quality, allergen-free food ingredients and products, consumers tend to trust smaller, no-, or low-allergen brands. So, go organic and invest in your brand and your consumer’s health. Browse Advanced Biotech’s range of 100% natural, EU-, and organic certified flavor and aroma ingredients, then contact us to place your order today.
1 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/consumers-with-food-allergies-a-growing-market-remains-underserved
2 https://safetyculture.com/topics/allergen-management/food-allergens/