WSQ Food Allergen Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safest way to clean equipment used to prepare an allergen-containing dish before using it for an allergen-free dish?
- Rinse with cold water only
- Wipe with a dry cloth
- Wash thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinse completely (Correct answer)
- Spray with alcohol sanitiser only
Correct answer: Wash thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinse completely
Thorough washing with hot soapy water and proper rinsing is required to physically remove allergenic proteins from equipment surfaces before allergen-free preparation.
Question 2: How should ingredients containing allergens be stored in a food establishment?
- Mixed with non-allergenic ingredients for convenience
- Separately from non-allergenic foods and clearly labelled (Correct answer)
- In any available space in the refrigerator
- Only at room temperature away from the kitchen
Correct answer: Separately from non-allergenic foods and clearly labelled
Allergenic ingredients must be stored separately from other foods and clearly labelled to prevent accidental cross-contact.
Question 3: Under Singapore's food labelling regulations, where must allergen information appear on pre-packed food?
- Only if the manufacturer chooses to include it
- In small print anywhere on the packaging
- Prominently in the ingredient list on the label (Correct answer)
- Only on the manufacturer's website
Correct answer: Prominently in the ingredient list on the label
Singapore food regulations require allergens to be declared prominently in the ingredient list on pre-packed food labels so consumers can easily identify them.
Question 4: What does 'May Contain' labelling on a food product indicate?
- The food definitely contains that allergen as an ingredient
- There is a risk of unintentional allergen cross-contact during production (Correct answer)
- The allergen was intentionally added in small amounts
- The product is safe for people with that allergy to consume
Correct answer: There is a risk of unintentional allergen cross-contact during production
'May Contain' is a precautionary allergen label indicating there is a risk of unintentional cross-contact during manufacturing, not that the allergen is an ingredient.
Question 5: Which of the following is a common hidden source of gluten (wheat allergen) in Singaporean cooking?
- Fresh vegetables
- Traditionally brewed soy sauce (Correct answer)
- Freshly squeezed fruit juice
- Plain steamed rice
Correct answer: Traditionally brewed soy sauce
Traditional soy sauce is brewed using wheat, making it a hidden source of gluten that must be disclosed to customers with wheat or gluten allergies.
Question 6: If a food handler is unsure whether a dish contains a specific allergen, what should they do?
- Tell the customer it is safe to avoid losing the sale
- Verify by checking with the chef or referring to the recipe and ingredient list (Correct answer)
- Assume it does not contain the allergen
- Ask the customer to decide at their own risk
Correct answer: Verify by checking with the chef or referring to the recipe and ingredient list
When uncertain about allergen content, food handlers must verify by checking with the chef or referring to recipes and ingredient specifications rather than guessing.
Question 7: Which of the following scenarios is an example of allergen cross-contact?
- Using a clean, dedicated knife for allergen-free food preparation
- Storing peanut products on a clearly labelled separate shelf
- Using the same fryer oil to cook both peanut-containing snacks and peanut-free products (Correct answer)
- Listing all allergens on the menu for customers to review
Correct answer: Using the same fryer oil to cook both peanut-containing snacks and peanut-free products
Using the same fryer oil for different foods allows allergenic proteins to dissolve into the oil and transfer to all products cooked in it, causing cross-contact.
WSQ Food Allergen Management 2
What is the safest way to clean equipment used to prepare an allergen-containing dish before using it for an allergen-free dish?