Certified Free From Certification | Peanut Free Certification

WHAT IS MENUTRINFO?

MenuTrinfo®’s Certified Free From™ (CFF) program was created by a team of food allergy and food intolerance experts to help brands ensure that their products are truly safe for consumers with dietary restrictions and completely free from the 9 major allergens: Wheat, Soy, Egg, Milk, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish and Sesame.

An average of 85 million Americans claim to avoid buying products containing allergens altogether to avoid ingesting contaminated foods. For consumers who can become seriously ill upon eating something that’s improperly labeled, there’s a severe lack of trust, and for good reason. Brands often take it upon themselves to add claims such as “Peanut-Free” or “Gluten Free” to their label which can lead to a variety of problems for the end consumer with a serious allergy, and for the brand itself. Undeclared allergens are the leading cause of most class 1 product recalls, costing brands anywhere from six figures to millions per recall in damages.

Acquiring this level of certification strengthens any soft claims made by commercial kitchens or food manufacturers regarding the nine major allergens, while providing peace of mind for consumers following a certain diet, or struggling with food allergies or intolerances.

Having the Certified Free From™ stamp of approval on your packaging also makes a product much more appealing to large retailers, such as Sam’s Club, Target, Whole Foods, and others that strongly encourage third-party certification for products they carry.

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CERTIFIED FREE FROM BENEFITS

Prove that your product is free from allergens while showing that you take food allergies seriously.
Secure shelf-space in strict retail chains requiring third-party certification.
Appeal to Buyers that adhere to a “no seal, no deal” mentality.
Protect your profits and your brand from the most common type of recall.
Stay up to date on regulations, mandates and label requirements (21 CRR 17)
Stand out from the competition with a seal of approval instead of making soft claims.
Meet the highest standards of accuracy and transparency for food allergens.

ASI SERVICES:

Certified Free From™

All areas of production are audited to ensure protocols are in place to prevent cross-contact. Regular surveillance provides ongoing validation of “Free From” claims.

Vegan Verified™

Guarantee that no animal products (including commonly hidden animal by-products) were used at all to produce your food product.

Certified Gluten Free

Certifying to a level of 10 ppm or less gluten, this certification exceeds federal requirements for gluten-free foods, ensuring a safe product for consumers with Celiac Disease or sensitivities to gluten.

THE ASI DIFFERENCE

For food manufacturers, ASI’s auditors who are trained Certified Free From™ food allergen experts will review existing procedures to ensure continued safe test results, including processes for:

Raw ingredient ordering
Intake inspections
Testing
Storage
Containment protocols
Segregation of materials
Line cleaning
Packaging
Batch testing
New protocol implementation

FAQs MENUTRINFO CERTIFIED FREE FROM

1. What is MENUTRINFO CERTIFIED FREE FROM?

MENUTRINFO CERTIFIED FREE FROM is a certification that verifies a product is free from specific allergens, contaminants, or other undesirable substances, ensuring it meets stringent safety and quality standards.

2. Why should my business consider MENUTRINFO CERTIFIED FREE FROM?

Obtaining this certification demonstrates your commitment to providing safe and high-quality products to consumers, especially those with allergies or dietary restrictions. It also enhances your brand reputation and can increase market access.

3. What are the requirements for MENUTRINFO CERTIFIED FREE FROM?

The certification process involves:

Comprehensive ingredient and supplier audits.
Detailed testing for allergens and contaminants.
Regular facility inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Documentation of procedures and processes to prevent cross-contamination.

4. How do I apply for MENUTRINFO CERTIFIED FREE FROM?

To apply, you need to:

Complete the certification application form.
Provide detailed information about your products and manufacturing processes.
Submit samples for testing.
Undergo an on-site inspection by our auditors.

5. How long does the certification process take?

The certification process typically takes between 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of your operations and the completeness of the submitted documentation.

6. What are the costs associated with MENUTRINFO CERTIFIED FREE FROM?

Costs vary based on the size and scope of your operation, including application fees, testing fees, and audit costs. We provide a detailed quote upon reviewing your application.

7. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Certification is valid for one year. You will need to undergo a renewal process, including a re-audit and updated documentation review, to maintain your certification.

8. What happens if my business does not meet the certification requirements?

If your business does not meet the certification requirements, we will provide feedback and a plan for corrective actions. You can reapply after addressing the identified issues.

9. Can I use the certification mark on my products and marketing materials?

Yes, once certified, you are permitted to use the MENUTRINFO CERTIFIED FREE FROM mark on your packaging and marketing materials to communicate your product’s compliance with certification standards.