Opleiding: Web-based training risk assessment cross-contact allergens (VITAL) English

Action limits or thresholds play an important role in managing allergen risks. At what level does cross-contact pose a risk to an allergic consumer? What are the conditions to apply a warning on a label ('may contain' also called precautionary allergen labelling (PAL))?

Based on scientific information, so-called reference doses have been established. These safe limits are used in risk assessment of allergens. The same reference doses are used in the Netherlands, VITAL 4.0 and several other European countries. In addition, retailers request a quantitative risk calculation from their private label suppliers before cross-contamination with allergens is mentioned on the label. This often requires a specific format.

Calculation tool

This training course uses the Allergen Risk Calculator. This format is accepted by all Dutch retailers. It can be uploaded as a “VITAL calculation” in TraceOne (AH) or SIM (e.g. Jumbo, SuperUnie). The Allergen Risk Calculator (ARC) can be used free of charge for six months after the training. After that, it is possible to subscribe to the update service for a small fee. A new licence will then be sent annually. And if there are new versions of this calculation tool, these will also be sent.

Rather a calculation in the VITAL Online calculation tool of the Allergen Bureau? That is also possible! We are endorsed VITAL trainers, since 2012. Then follow the training course in which VITAL Online is used as the basic tool. Or indicate on registration as a note that practice with VITAL Online is desired. Although the explanation of this training uses the ARC as a basis, the exercises can be performed in VITAL Online. This is because the approach is similar. 

Who should attend?

This training is designed for quality managers, QA-managers, product specification managers, auditors at certifying bodies, consultants, Regulatory Affairs Managers and R&D. In short, anyone who has to deal with food safety and labelling.

Learning objective and topics

During this training, you will learn how to perform a quantitative allergen risk assessment by means of cases and practical examples.
Calculations will be performed using the Allergen Risk Calculator (Excel), developed by Allergenen Consultancy. After the course you will be able to perform a quantitative risk assessment.

During the course the following topics are covered: 

• Background information allergen management (short repetition).
• Legislation on labelling and thresholds, explanation of Dutch allergen policy.
• Allergen risk assessment based on a handy step-by-step guide.
• Practice with the Allergen Risk Calculator.
• Application of different reference doses of VWS (Netherlands), FAVV (Belgium), VITAL and FAO/WHO.
• Application of allergen analyses within quantitative risk assessments.

Web-based training

Our web-based training is possible from any computer or laptop (see system requirements below). The training is provided in MS Teams.
The training takes place in small groups and is not pre-recorded (no webinar). In this way we guarantee interactivity, both between the trainer and the student, but also between the participants themselves. 
Within the digital training environment, we can share screens with each other or in subgroups so that we are able to look along with the VITAL calculations performed. This is also possible in a private mode without the entire group listening in or watching. 

Trainer

Marjan van Ravenhorst - endorsed VITAL trainer
Bregje Kroeze-Krebbers - endorsed VITAL trainer
Angèle van den Heuvel - endorsed VITAL trainer
Sandra Boone - endorsed VITAL trainer

Practical

Time: from 9:00 AM - 17:00 PM CET/ CEST
Language: English. A good understanding of the English language is required when attending the training. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with us. 

Our course fees include course material, use of the calculation tool and a lot of reference information, excluding VAT.

After receiving the registration we will send a confirmation by email. This training is given via Microsoft Teams. The invitation for this will be sent by email a few days before the training.