EHL Ingredients has invested in new machinery in its third site in Stockport, UK to reduce risks of cross contamination of products during production and handling. The development offers completely segregated lines for ingredients containing allergens and non-allergen products.
With three new pieces of machinery, EHL Ingredients claims it can now offer non-allergen products to customers with complete confidence that no cross-contamination has occurred at any point during product handling and production.
This enhanced allergen management aims to meet increased consumer demand for gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and sulphite-free food ingredients.
Previously, lines were cleansed and sanitised in between products, but since EHL invested £1 million to expand its site in Stockport with a third unit, it now has the space to install separate production lines and machinery.
The new installations included the Star Auger automatic filling machine and a new PFM Zenith Bagmaker from The Food Machinery Company, which will handle blended powders, grains, seeds and beans – all for non-allergen lines – and will fill 150g, 250g and 1000g packs.
An automated labelling machine supplied by Advanced Dynamics has also been installed, which will speed up adhesion of labels. Together, the new production lines will enhance production, speed and efficiency on non-allergen lines, which in turn will reduce and eliminate risks of cross contamination.
Tasneem Alonzo, Joint Managing Director at EHL Ingredients, said: “We are aware many companies carry out risk assessments on batches of allergen-free products but taking these steps means we can help food manufacturers to reduce the number of product recalls and protect consumers against potential allergic reactions.”
The firm plans to add more allergen-free products to its Lähde range to give food manufacturers more choice when adding ingredients to their recipes.
