Protecting dairy consumers with food allergies from potentially deadly allergens, and merchandisers from the product recalls and damages to reputations that can occur from incidents, can be a tricky proposition. Dairy processors must have stringent safeguards in place, as well as the discipline to follow strict operating procedures if they are to minimize risks to the large base of susceptible individuals.
About 26 million U.S. adults, or approximately 11% of the adult population, have food allergies, along with about 5.6 million, or nearly 8%, of children, reports the Arlington, Va.-based Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Milk is the most common allergen for children, followed by egg and peanuts, while shellfish is the most common allergen for adults, along with peanuts and tree nuts, AAFA states.