EHL Ingredients has overhauled its production processes to segregate lines for ingredients containing allergens and those that are allergen-free.

To meet rising customer demand for products that have not come into contact with allergens, the business has installed three new pieces of machinery in its third site in Stockport to reduce risks of cross-contamination.

Previously, lines were cleaned and sanitised in between products, but since the company took on an additional site earlier this year, it has had space to install separate production lines and machinery.

New kit includes a Star Auger automatic filling machine and a new PFM Zenith Bagmaker from The Food Machinery Company in Kent, which will handle blended powders, grains, seeds and beans – all for non-allergen lines – and will fill 150g, 250g and 1kg packs.

It has also installed an automated labelling machine, supplied by Advanced Dynamics, to speed up the adhesion of labels, as they were previously attached by hand. This will be dedicated to the non-allergen lines.

EHL, which supplies food ingredients under its Lähde brand, said demand for gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and sulphite-free food ingredients had increased in recent years.

“We have always had stringent allergen controls in place, but this investment in completely separate production areas for standard and non-allergen ingredients means our customers can rest assured that the products they receive from us have not come into contact with allergens at any point during our handling,” added EHL Ingredients joint managing director Tasneem Alonzo.

“Taking these steps means we can help food manufacturers reduce the number of product recalls and protect consumers against potential allergic reactions.”

EHL also plans to add more allergen-free products to its Lähde range.