VT Directive 7230.1 Rev 2 ONGOING VERIFICATION OF PRODUCT FORMULATION AND LABELING TARGETING THE EIGHT MOST COMMON (“BIG 8”) FOOD ALLERGENS

For use beginning 12/15/2018
This directive provides instructions to inspection program personnel (IPP) for performing the “Big 8” Formulation Verification task in the Public Health Information System (PHIS). IPP verify that establishments are accurately controlling and labeling the eight most common (“Big 8”) food allergens in meat and poultry establishments. These allergens are designated as “major food allergens” by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) of 2004.
KEY POINTS:
II. REASON FOR REISSUANCE This directive should:
1. Emphasize that the “Big 8” Formulation Verification task is a Priority 3 task;
2. Emphasize the public health importance of verifying control of “Big 8” allergens in establishments;
3. Incorporate a shorter questionnaire;
4. Make IPP aware that the answer to the new Question 1 in the shorter questionnaire will generate a field in the Establishment Profile Report that indicates whether “Big 8” allergens are used in product formulation at the establishment; and
5. Add information about cold-pressed and highly refined oils in Attachment 1;