Allergen segregation is important to prevent cross-contamination of major food allergens like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. Proper storage and handling procedures must be followed, such as dedicating pallet racks and shelving, using signs and plastic sheeting, and tracking allergen movements. Staff must be trained on allergen safety through programs like HACCP and report any instances of cross-contamination to prevent severe allergic reactions from even trace amounts.

1. ALLERGEN SEGREGATION
Aden Dowell – RMIT University

2. What is ‘Allergen Segregation’?
• The action of setting something apart from others.
• Eliminate the cross contamination of allergens.

3. Why is it important?
• “Allergen proteins are naturally occurring and cannot be eliminated by cooking or
baking.” – U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• No medications are currently available to cure food allergies.
• Trace amounts can cause severe allergic reactions.

4. The big 8
• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Wheat

5. Storage options (pallets)
Step 1:
• Allocate allergen specific pallet racks.

6. Storage options (pallets) cont.
Step 2:
• Create A3 signs to identify allergen pallet
racking.

7. Storage options (pallets) cont.
Step 3:
• Wrap all pallets in stretch wrap.

8. Storage options (pallets) cont.
Step 4:
• Place plastic sheeting above the pallet before
wrapping.

9. Storage options (small quantities)
Step 1:
• Install low level shelving for smaller quantities.

10. Storage options (small quantities) cont.
Step 2:
• Install partitions to separate different batches.

11. Staff management
Training
• Quality Control department will provide
HACCP (Hazard and Critical Control Points)
training.
Procedures
• All allergen movements will be tracked on the
Warehouse Management System.
• Warehouse staff will be required to report all
cross contamination.

12. Summary
• Trace amounts of an allergens can be lethal.
• Allergen segregation is paramount.
• Segregation is quick, cheap and effective… Compared to the alternative.