fbtechreview.comNOVEMBER-DECEMBER 20258in myviewBy Inggrid Aryal, Oceania Food Safety Manager, Nestlé OceaniaChampioning Food Safety across Nestlé Oceania's Multinational NetworkSince 2018, I have been responsible for food safety across ten Nestlé factories in the Oceania region, including three in New Zealand, one in Papua New Guinea, and six in Australia. These facilities make a wide array of products, including food and beverages, pet food, and nutritional supplements under our Health Science division.One of the key focuses of my role has been building capability and increasing awareness of allergen management in all our food and beverage factories. This is especially critical for our Health Science portfolio, where products are often formulated for consumers with compromised or sensitive immune systems. With allergen controls in pet food manufacturing, we remain vigilant and proactive, regardless that this is not yet regulated.Navigating Allergen Risk in One of the World's Most Regulated MarketsOne of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring regulatory compliance within a highly complex factory ecosystem. Allergen risk management begins well before raw materials enter our sites. It starts at the supplier level, where detailed allergen risk data is obtained from vendors, and extends through every stage of production, including ingredient processing and final product formulation. Accurate labeling is essential to ensure consumers are fully informed about the products they purchase.Australia is often considered the "allergen capital of the world" due to its high prevalence of food allergies and its stringent regulatory standards. In recent years, product recalls due to allergen issues have increased, primarily caused by missing or improperly declared allergens. This trend underscores the need for ongoing industry improvement, supported by organizations such as the Allergen Bureau of Australia.We must remain committed to continuous improvement in this area, particularly as food sensitivities become increasingly prevalent. An added layer of complexity comes from Nestlé's global footprint--we import and export products across countries that recognize different allergens and follow varying regulations. Harmonizing compliance across international borders remains an ongoing challenge.PROACTIVE ALLERGEN MANAGEMENT FOR A SAFER, GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINInggrid Aryal is a dedicated food safety leader at Nestlé Oceania, bringing extensive experience in quality assurance and manufacturing. She spearheads initiatives to enhance food safety standards, training, and hygiene practices across Nestlé's operations in the Oceania region.Inggrid Aryal
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