What you need to do
If you sell prepacked for direct sale (or PPDS) food, you will have to change the way in which you provide importation to your customers. You will need to undertake investment in software, hardware and staff training.
Business will have to ensure they do the following:
Ensure you have Product Specifications for Raw Materials to detail Ingredients and Allergens
Document your recipes for items PPDS
Review label suitability and build ingredient declaration for PPDS goods based on Specification and Recipe Information
Ensure your label system can print the required information
Ensure there is resource available to complete labelling information.
Ensure staff receive allergen and procedural training
Also, there are some operational changes you will need to make:
- Allergen Matrixes need to be updated to ensure that they are current and detail all products and production areas.
- Procedures will need to be amended to ensure compliance going forward. This will include allergen handling, cleaning, cross contamination, training, substitution, labelling and traceability etc.
- Equipment needs will have to be reviewed to reduce the risk of cross contamination, i.e. scoops, dishes, boards, knives, trays etc. Make sure that there are ample available to limit the cross-contamination risk.
- Systems need to be put in place to ensure compliance going forward e.g. updating changes, handling substitutions, new product development etc.
- Processes need to be implemented for review and audit of labelling information provided so that businesses can proactively ensure compliance.
