Food Safety

Food Safety First



What is a Food Allergen?
A food allergen is a product or ingredient whose naturally occurring proteins may provoke severe-even fatal-reactions in a food-allergic person. These proteins cannot be eliminated through cooking or baking and produce a range of immune system responses-from a tingling sensation in the mouth and difficulty breathing to abdominal cramps and loss of consciousness.

Usually appearing within two hours- but sometimes within minutes-after ingestion, these potentially life-threatening reactions require immediate medical attention.

Allergen Control Programs
Protecting customers from these harmful side effects is an important food safety concern for Sysco-and the reason why we require all our foodservice suppliers to establish Allergen Control Programs. Developed by the Sysco Quality Assurance team, the guidelines set forth in these programs exceed those recommended by the USDA or FDA, and help prevent the cross-contamination of the following food allergens:

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Sesame seeds*
  • Seafood (fish and shellfish)

    These offenders account for 90 percent of all foodallergic reactions in the United States. Any manufacturing location utilizing these allergens in any area of their facility must adhere to the minimum allergen control guidelines required by Sysco, including:

  • Establishing a transportation policy that outlines proper receiving and storage controls
  • Ensuring allergens and nonallergens are produced safely, with precautions including the segregation of equipment lines or production schedules
  • Using plain language to clearly identify food allergens on ingredient bins and packaging
  • Training new employees and retraining all employees annually

    From identifying these culinary culprits to routinely reviewing suppliers' Allergen Control Programs, the Sysco Quality Assurance team helps safeguard you and your food-allergic diners from allergens before they even reach your operation.

    *Sesame seeds were added due to allergenic-related deaths in Canada.

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