We\'re doing a poll on the definition of \"peanut-free\"

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Thank you Jennifer. I voted. I am drafting my comment to the FDA, in which I am requesting a clear definition of terms.

Thanks to Cyndi and everyone else who participated!

Brian and I wanted to post this information as there seems to be a lot of incomplete information floating around blogs and boards. If anyone would like more information, or has a question, please email me at [email]Heather@PeanutFreePlanet.com[/email].

Blueberry Hill Foods makes many kinds of hard and soft candies at their US owned plant in Juarez, Mexico, just across the border from El Paso, Texas. Some of their products contain peanuts and tree nuts and these are clearly indicated on the label.

Blueberry Hill Foods has 2 self contained facilities, one that contains peanuts and tree nuts which is the smaller facility, and a much larger facility that is peanut and tree nut free. The smaller self contained facility is located within the larger self contained facility.

1. Each facility has its own entrances and exits. The plant personnel who work in one self contained facility can not physically enter the larger self contained facility. There is never sharing of employees
2. The two facilities do not share air with each other. They each have their own air handling equipment.
3. Peanuts and Tree Nuts are confined to the smaller self contained facility. Peanuts and Tree Nuts enter this facility only, are processed into products in this facility, packed in this facility and shipped out of this facility by a separate entrance. At no time are peanuts or tree nuts or products containing them ever allowed to enter the larger peanut free facility.
4. Ingredients for both facilities are stored separately and Blueberry Hill requires allergen control documentation from all its suppliers.

The large peanut free facility including the area surrounding the smaller peanut containing facility is tested regularly for peanuts and tree nuts and not once have the tests been positive. The Neogen tests are conducted by Silliker Labs, a third party food allergen auditing, testing and consulting laboratory. [url="http://www.Neogen.com"]http://www.Neogen.com[/url] and [url="http://www.silliker.com"]http://www.silliker.com[/url]

Blueberry Hill Foods has maintained a stellar record of food facility safety certification. Starting in 2000, the facility received Excellent ratings and in 2004 and 2005, Superior Ratings from AIB (American Institute of Baking). In 2006, Blueberry Hill began certification under the more rigorous GMA-SAFE program and in 2008, the most rigorous RAI program, the same supplier program required by the world

Heather:

Thank you for the information. I believe it will help people make a more informed choice. Your definition of facility differs from my definition of facility, which is one reason why I working vigilantly on my comment to the FDA on the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act. When I use the term facility, I mean a structure or structures at one general physical location, as that term is used by the FDA in the Bioterrorism Act, without an ownership exception. I would use the terms layout, design or area when describing a business like Blueberry Hill.

Having had a contact reaction last night reaffirmed in my mind the necessity of clear terms and FDA guidelines for food handling, manufacturing, processing and storage. I hope your comment to this thread opens the discussion to what an allergy affected person would consider a facility, and labeling suggestions for facilities like Blueberry Hill.

I've posted a summary of our informal poll. Here is the link: [url="http://www.foodallergybuzz.com/2008/10/results-of-peanut-free-definition-polls.html"]http://www.foodallergybuzz.com/2008/10/results-of-peanut-free-definition-polls.html[/url]