It may not be possible to prevent the accidental presence of allergens during the food manufacturing process.
To address this issue, Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL) has been introduced to inform consumers about the potential risk of allergens inadvertently present in food.
PAL typically appears on products with statements such as 'May contain [name of allergens]' or 'Produced in a facility that processes products that may contain [name of allergens]'.

The use of PAL should be:
• accompanied by a thorough risk assessment for any actual cross-contamination along the production chain that poses a potential risk to consumers with allergies
• used only when necessary, as excessive use can limit food choices for consumers with allergies
Internationally, there is no formal legal definition or framework governing the use of PAL. However, food business operators must ensure that all claims on prepacked food must be truthful and substantiated.
Food businesses that use PAL on their products must provide justification if consumers express concerns about potential allergens in their products.
Consumers seeking clarification on the potential presence of allergens are advised to contact the food business operator directly.