Managing Allergen Risk: Best practices to avoid allergen contamination in food manufacturing

A staggering 40% of all food product recalls are linked to the mismanagement of allergens, a situation that continues to put consumers at risk and damage food and beverage brands. So, what can food manufacturers do to reduce this occurrence?In this episode, our host Patrick McNamara of Intertek Global Food Services, along with Deborah Matthews and Heather Hayward from Intertek Business Assurance explore:What should be considered in terms of allergen management and what does good look like?Where do manufacturers have the most control to put processes in place?What are the areas of failure and how might they be prevented? Speakers:Patrick McNamara – Global Innovations and Quality Manager, Intertek Food ServicesDeborah Matthews – Business Development Manager, Intertek Business AssuranceHeather Hayward – Technical Consultant, Intertek Business Assurance Download our complimentary ebook to learn what a food allergen is, how to test for allergens in food, and the UK and EU Regulations for allergen labelling. Download here!Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

Description:The EU’s push for a circular economy is transforming packaging regulations, and the updates to achieve compliance can be complex.Join Intertek Assuris experts Taylor Cavanaugh and Ashli Span as they provide an overview of Regulation (EU) 2022/1616, the legislation governing recycled plastics in food contact applications. From authorization pathways to safety evaluations, learn what businesses need to know to stay compliant and competitive in the EU market.Don’t miss this essential discussion for recycling, packaging, regulatory, and sustainability professionals.Speakers:Taylor Cavanaugh, Senior Manager, Regulatory Market Access, Intertek AssurisAshli Span, Project Manager, Regulatory Market Access, Intertek AssurisFollow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

In this podcast we look at what can often seem like a complex topic - transferring your ISO Management Systems Certification from one Certification Body to another. We dispel the myths, highlight how straightforward the process really is, and explain why Intertek makes it easier than most. Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

What role does land use play in greenhouse gas emissions—and how do we measure it accurately?Join Catherine Beare and Timur Lukhadi as they break down the fundamentals of land use GHG accounting. From carbon stock changes to key methodologies, this episode offers a clear and concise overview for businesses navigating sustainability reporting.Tune in to learn the essentials.Speakers:Catherine Beare- Regional Director, Business Assurance (UK & Iberia)Timur Iukhadi- Sustainability Consultant, Intertek AssurisFollow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

Join Intertek’s Catherine Beare and Zineb Belymam as they unpack one of the most talked-about concepts in ESG today: double materiality.With pressure mounting from the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and recent updates through the Omnibus Review, organizations are navigating a complex landscape of sustainability risks, impacts, and disclosures. From practical insights to real-world client experience, this episode explores what double materiality really means and how companies are tackling assessments in practice. Whether you’re new to ESG or refining your reporting strategy, this episode offers valuable clarity and guidance.Listen now to learn more.Speakers:Catherine Beare, Regional Director - Business Assurance (UK & Iberia)Zineb Belymam, Senior Sustainability Consultant, Intertek AssurisFollow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

In today’s episode, our Intertek’s expert, Florencia Bahamonde, dives into the ISCC EU scheme that provides businesses with a structured approach to meet legal obligations and sustainability commitments. From feedstock producers and traders to biofuel refineries and energy suppliers, ISCC EU helps businesses operating within the European bioeconomy contribute to the EU’s renewable energy targets while meeting strict sustainability, traceability, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction requirements. Listen to our podcast and learn which the six core sustainability principles ISCC EU certification is based on.  Speakers: Catherine Beare, Regional Director Business Assurance, UK and Iberia at Intertek Florencia Bahamonde, ISCC Senior Global Program Manager at Intertek Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

In this World Environment Day edition of our Sustainability Series, Elma Christian is joined by David Muil, Intertek’s VP of Sustainability, to explore how businesses can unlock value by embedding sustainability into their strategy. From cost savings and innovation to stakeholder engagement and regulatory alignment, this episode breaks down why sustainability is more than a moral imperative—it’s a smart business move. Discover real-world examples, a practical PDCA roadmap, and one key message: sustainability is a profit driver.Speakers: David Muil - Global VP of Sustainability for IntertekElma Isakovic-Christian - Global Business Development Director, Supplier Management and SustainabilityFollow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

In this episode of Assurance in Action, we continue our Pyrolysis Oil series with a deeper dive into the expanding possibilities of Py-Oil.Join our expert Liam Mills, Sustainable Hydrocarbon Specialist at Intertek Caleb Brett, as he explores how waste plastics, tires, and biomass are being transformed into valuable low-carbon fuels.From chemical recycling to sustainable aviation fuel and marine decarbonization—discover how Py-Oil is helping reshape waste into renewable opportunity.🎧 Listen in and uncover the science driving circular innovation in fuels.Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of the circular economy—a concept transforming how businesses think about sustainability, resources, and long-term value creation.Join Catherine Beare, Regional Director for Business Assurance at Intertek (UK & Iberia), as she speaks with Emilce Romarion, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Intertek Assuris (Argentina), who brings years of hands-on experience in life cycle assessments, GHG accounting, and decarbonization strategies across diverse industries.Together, they break down the fundamentals of the circular economy, discuss why it’s gaining global momentum, and share insights on how companies can begin shifting from linear models to more circular, regenerative systems.Speakers:Catherine Beare- Regional Director - Business Assurance (UK & Iberia)Emilce Romarion- Sustainability Consultant, Quality, Intertek Assuris Follow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

What happens when allergen contamination starts at the farm—and no one saw it coming?In this powerful episode of our Allergen Podcast Series, Jatin Patel from FGS Ingredients shares the real story behind a nationwide recall involving mustard contaminated with peanut traces. Hosted by Alan Cadman of Intertek Food Services UK, the discussion explores:Inconsistent lab results (PCR vs ELISA)The operational impact of unexpected recallsSteps to protect consumers from unknown risks💡We can manage known risks. But what about the ones we don’t know yet?Speakers: Jatin Patel -  FGS IngredientsAlan Cadman - Intertek Food ServicesFollow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.