What allergen labeling requirements apply to portion control packages for salad bars?
We have a client that we produce portion control packages for their salad bar in store. These are clear packages that just state the dressing name, Julian date packaged and the BBD. There are no ingredients lists or nutritional panels on this product. We've been making this product for them for years, now they want to add allergen statements to the packaging?
I'm trying to find guidance on this or how to address it. The document they provided is just draft guidance.
Most that I know of (I assume we are talking about conveinence and/or supermarket) have nutritional labeling - I find the Kroger one to be curious, in that you have to peel the label off or the take the sealed clear top off in order to look at the reverse side of the label (see link below.)
I used to inspect (about 15-18 years ago) several chains that had salad bars and all salads, desserts, dressings, had nutritional labeling.
Hi KayAreVee,
:welcome:
Welcome to the IFSQN forums.
Your customer needs to provide you with clear instructions or a specification for each different package you are supplying. that includes their labelling requirements.
If the dressing & salad is theirs how do you know what allergens are going into the packages?
Kind regards,
Tony
What country are you in. Regulations vary. If you are in the USA, for foodservice items, you need ingredient statements on them. At least on the outer box.
USA.
These items are used at their salad bar. Like a grab-n-go salad dressing pouch. Typically we've always just applied the product name and best by date. We ship these two them in a master case containing the ingredients and allergen information as required.
These items are not for individual sale.
USA.
These items are used at their salad bar. Like a grab-n-go salad dressing pouch. Typically we've always just applied the product name and best by date. We ship these two them in a master case containing the ingredients and allergen information as required.
These items are not for individual sale.
Hi KayAreVee,
That makes things clearer, from your first post, it appeared that you were supplying the packages.
If you are supplying dressing portions in a box, how is the customer communicating any allergen content to their customer? Are they displaying the portions in the box with the allergen content clearly displayed on the box?
Clearly, they are for individual sale or use as they are a ‘portion’. For your own peace of mind as well as meeting your customer’s requirements surely you would want to have any allergen content printed on the individual portions?
Kind regards,
Tony
The issue. You are selling them a kit that is a foodservice item. The customer - using parts of the kit as a retail item for individual sale. Your customer is in the wrong on this. My guess- they got inspected and this was caught during an inspection.
How you fix it is up to you. Personally - I would do the fix but charge them more. For customer use - depending on the size of the package, etc - the nutrition facts label may be required as well.
Regulatory: look up labeling requirements for foodservice vs for individual sale. Note: they are using the state food code, you are using the federal food code. It's been 5 or so years since I taught the state food code but I believe they are similar for labeling purposes.
Can't they just put an allergen sign by the container where they keep these pouches? I see this more like a restaurant style setting than an individual sale of dressing intent.
Can't they just put an allergen sign by the container where they keep these pouches? I see this more like a restaurant style setting than an individual sale of dressing intent.
This is what I thought as well. It's more restaurant style. Signage at the salad bar denotes the flavor, ingredients, allergens, etc. They're just clear 1.75 oz pouches that you grab and go after you prepare your salad or request when your salad is prepared.
We don't mind adding the allergen information on the pouches, once we are able to get our printers to do so. It was just the first I had heard of this and wanted clear guidance on the topic.
You are selling them a foodservice item. Your requirements do not require allergen labeling on the individual package.
Yes they can add signage at their salad bar. I would ask them why they are requesting this for your peace of mind and better direction.