True food allergies are adverse reactions by the immune system to particular foods. The effects can be severe, even fatal. Virtually all known food allergens are proteins that can exist in large quantities and are often not denatured during food processing. Recently, nuts have become particularly appreciated in vegan, vegetarian, Flexitarian, gluten-free diets.

In the case of nuts, the main health risk is allergies, since nuts are among the foods most associated with allergic reactions. The fruits most considered as nuts include Almond, Brazil nut, Cashew nut, Chestnut, Hazelnut, Macadamia nut, Peanut, Pecan nut, Pine nut, Pistachio, Walnut.

The symptoms of an allergic reaction to food can range from mild to severe; anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is sudden in onset and can cause death. There is no cure for food allergies, they are managed by avoiding the allergen and learning to recognize and treat reactions symptoms. Given the fatal nature of nut allergies and the prevalence in young children, an urgent need for nut-free products has arisen.

NUTS-FREE PRODUCT APPROVAL PROCESS

The basis of nuts-free certification is sampling and testing in ILAC-ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. These technical food laboratories will perform tests on the samples according to ACS and product requirements and will submit a complete report of the tests to ACS. Our technical team will approve or disapprove the product by reviewing the results and testing comparisons. If the result does not comply with requirements, a non-conformities report will be provided to the applicant. If the test results are confirmed, a nut free certificate is issued to the manufacturing company /producer and then the Nut-free product logo is awarded to the holder.

BENEFIT OF ACS CANADA NUTS-FREE CERTIFICATION

There are many types of nuts and you or your child may be sensitive to one or more of them. 30% (1 in 3) of nut allergic people will react to more than one type of nut.

The food industry is in a position to protect the public from harm by working to understand allergens, monitor product ingredients, and prevent unwanted cross-contamination.

Products that have been certified by ACS Canada, will receive a nut-free symbol on the product label.