Food safety: How a GPO helps ensure safe, gluten-free products

With November being the official month for gluten-free awareness, ensuring food safety in gluten-free products is paramount.

At Entegra, we work closely with our suppliers to ensure that the foods we buy are safe to label and serve as gluten-free. We also ensure that our food and supplies meet safety standards set by the FDA.

According to data from the USDA and the FDA, the presence of unlabeled allergens led to the most food recalls in 2023, representing 49.2% of all recalls. That’s not surprising to Sodexo’s Senior Director of Food Safety Carlos Menes. (Sodexo is Entegra’s parent company.) “The most common cause of recalls is due to undeclared allergens,” said Menes. “There are several reasons why including, foods not being labeled properly, cross contamination and employee error to name a few.”

So, how can foodservice operators keep consumers safe?

Tips for foodservice operators to ensure food safety practices

Create and use labels: Clear labeling is vital for providing transparency and information to consumers. Indicate on the menu, packaging or buffet tags that the product is gluten-free, adhering to guidelines set by regulatory bodies. This helps individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease make informed choices.

Prevent cross-contamination in gluten-free products: Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free products encounter gluten-containing items. To prevent this, separate preparation areas, utensils, and equipment are essential. Clean and sanitize all surfaces and tools thoroughly before use , and clearly label gluten-free ingredients to avoid confusion.

Safe handling and storage practices for gluten-free foods: Proper handling and storage are crucial for maintaining the integrity of gluten-free products. Store them in a dry, cool environment away from gluten-containing items. Ensure packages are tightly sealed to prevent contamination.

How GPOs help compliance with food safety and FDA requirements

At Entegra, we prioritize food safety and work with a range of gluten-free product suppliers who meet stringent FDA requirements.

The FDA conducts inspections and audits to verify that manufacturers follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and implement adequate control measures to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients. They also monitor labeling practices to ensure gluten-free claims are accurate and not misleading to consumers.

Food manufacturers must comply with FDA guidelines to maintain the safety and integrity of gluten-free products. The FDA provides comprehensive guidelines covering ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, testing methods, and labeling requirements. These guidelines help manufacturers understand and implement best practices to prevent cross-contact with gluten and maintain the quality of their gluten-free products.

Entegra’s role in keeping food safe

In addition to vetting the suppliers in Entegra’s network, and ensuring that they meet FDA standards, clients can also access discounts on staff training through ServSafe^®.

The training covers five key areas: basic food safety, personal hygiene, cross contamination, time and temperature controls, and cleaning and sanitation.

At Entegra, we understand the importance of providing education on the importance of safe food practices and ensuring that the suppliers we partner with are adhering to safety regulations.

We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that the foods you buy are correctly labeled and safe to serve as gluten-free.

Contact us to access Entegra’s network of 2,500+ suppliers for your business.