What type of contamination is associated with allergens?

Allergen-related contamination is classified as allergenic contamination. This type of contamination occurs when a food product contains allergens that can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergens are specific proteins found in certain foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs, and gluten-containing grains, which can trigger immune responses in people with allergies.

The understanding of allergenic contamination is critical in food safety because it requires careful management to prevent cross-contact with allergenic foods during preparation, storage, and serving. Allergenic contamination differs from biological, chemical, and physical contamination types, which involve microorganisms, harmful substances, and foreign objects, respectively. Addressing allergenic contamination is essential to ensure the safety of individuals with food allergies, highlighting the need for labeling, awareness, and proper food handling practices within food service environments.