Spanish food safety agencies issue allergen guidelines and gluten recalls

Spanish food safety authorities have issued new guidance and product recalls regarding allergen and gluten management. The Agència Catalana de Seguretat Alimentària (ACSA) has released a technical guide for the commercial catering sector, including restaurants, bars, schools, and hospitals. The guide aims to help operators integrate allergen and gluten management into their self-control plans to prevent cross-contamination and ensure accurate consumer information.

Simultaneously, the Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (AESAN) has ordered the recall of several ‘gluten-free’ sauces due to undeclared gluten. Affected products include barbecue and chimichurri sauces from brands Vulpi and Dumt’s. These products have been distributed across eight Spanish autonomous communities, including Andalusia, Catalonia, Madrid, and Galicia. While the risk is not considered significant for the general population, the recall is critical for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.