Which of the following is an allergen preventive control requirement?

• A. preventing allergen cross-contact
• B. acrylic labeling of packaging
• C. supplier qualification of ingredients
• D. recall procedures for all products

Answer: (A)

Allergen preventive controls aim to prevent exposure to known allergen hazards in the facility. The most direct way to do this is to prevent allergen cross-contact during processing. By keeping allergen-containing ingredients separate, using dedicated equipment or lines when needed, and applying strict, validated cleaning and changeover procedures, you stop unintended transfer of allergens to other products. This direct action reduces the actual presence of allergens in the finished foods, which is the essence of an allergen preventive control.

Labeling packaging, while important for informing consumers, does not stop allergens from being present in the product. Supplier qualification helps reduce risk by ensuring ingredients come from reliable sources, but it isn’t the act of preventing cross-contact during production. Recall procedures are reactive, addressing problems after they occur rather than preventing them in the first place.