Undeclared Allergens and Gluten in Soup

Abstract

In a targeted survey, a total of 499 soup products were sampled and analyzed for undeclared soy, egg, milk (beta-lactoglobulin and casein), peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, sesame and gluten. The majority of the samples were analyzed for more than 1 undeclared allergen and/or gluten. There were 3411 analyses completed on the 499 samples. Some products contained more than 1 undeclared allergen or gluten source, a total of 22 products contained 26 positive results. Of the 26 positive results (26/3411, 0.8%) there were: 8 milk (7 products were positive; 3 for casein, 3 for beta-lactoglobulin and 1 product tested positive for both proteins), 4 egg, 6 gluten, 1 hazelnut and 7 soy. There were no undeclared almond, peanut or sesame found in any of the samples. All positive results were followed-up by the CFIA. Follow-up action may involve a food safety investigation, including a health risk assessment and a recall or one of the following: notification of manufacturer/importer and/or additional sampling.