IGD develops allergen risk assessment template to strengthen food safety

UK – IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution), a research and training charity, has launched a new allergen risk assessment template and supporting guidance, aimed at bringing consistency to allergen management across the food industry and improving safety for people living with food allergies and intolerances.

With allergies and food sensitivities on the rise across the UK, concerns around inconsistent labelling and variable allergen procedures have grown. 

The new framework is designed to help eliminate confusion and give consumers more confidence when shopping.

By setting out a standardised approach, IGD hopes to make allergen risk assessment clearer and more effective for both food manufacturers and retailers.

The template was developed through IGD’s Technical Leaders Forum and Network, which convene senior experts from across the food and consumer goods industry to address shared challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration. 

The project reflects IGD’s role in uniting stakeholders to deliver solutions that strengthen resilience and consumer trust.

Kate Reynolds, Senior Manager of the Resilience Programme at IGD explained that the launch of this allergen risk assessment template demonstrates how industry collaboration can deliver positive change. 

“We understand that adapting to new procedures will involve some policy updates and staff retraining, but we see the template as a positive development, designed to streamline risk assessment, empowering teams to deliver safer food for all,” Reynolds stated.

Ross Dennison, Technical Director at Bakkavor and co-chair of the Technical Leaders Forum, added that “Together with the IGD, we are bringing retailers and food manufacturers together to create a consumer-first approach to allergen management through a cross-industry framework.”

The initiative has also been welcomed by Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE, founder of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. 

“We are pleased that the food industry is coming together to improve allergen management. We welcome the launch of the new guidance and risk assessment template and hope this will give greater reassurance to the millions of people living with food allergies in the UK and their families,” Ednan-Laperouse said.

IGD brings together retailers, manufacturers, and stakeholders across the food and consumer goods industry.

Its work focuses on providing practical solutions, industry collaboration, and insights to drive positive change and build a more sustainable, resilient food system.

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