Here’s a TESDA- and Oud Academia–aligned module on Allergen & Labeling Considerations for food-grade Agarwood Leaf Tea, integrating regulatory compliance, export readiness, and consumer safety.
Allergen & Labeling Considerations
Food-Grade Agarwood Leaf Tea (Philippines & ASEAN Context)
1. Core Principle
“Clear labels, safe consumers.”
Even herbal teas can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Proper allergen management and accurate labeling protect health, ensure compliance, and maintain brand trust.
2. Allergen Considerations
A. Intrinsic Allergen Risks
- Aquilaria leaves themselves are generally recognized as non-allergenic
- Some individuals may experience mild sensitivities (rare)
B. Cross-Contamination Risks
- During harvesting, drying, or packaging, leaves may contact:
- Nuts, seeds, grains, or other herbal teas
- Food-grade dust or powders
- Contaminated tools or storage
C. Risk Mitigation
- Dedicate tools and drying areas to agarwood leaf tea only
- Implement cleaning and sanitation protocols between batches
- Educate workers on cross-contact hazards
- Maintain traceability for each batch
3. Labeling Requirements (Philippines – FDA-PH)
For food-grade herbal teas:
| Label Element | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | “Agarwood Leaf Tea” | Must indicate plant part (Aquilaria spp. leaves) |
| Ingredients | Single or blended | Include any added flavors or herbs |
| Net Weight | Mandatory | In grams / packs |
| Batch / Lot Code | Mandatory | For traceability |
| Manufacturing & Expiry Date | Recommended | Ensure consumer safety |
| Preparation Instructions | Optional | Steeping instructions |
| Allergen Statement | If applicable | “Processed in a facility that handles nuts/grains/herbs” |
| Claims | Non-therapeutic only | “Refreshing herbal tea” vs “treats disease” ❌ |
Tip: ASEAN member states may require local language labeling and ingredient declaration.
4. Allergen Labeling Best Practices
- Always include potential cross-contact warnings, e.g.:
- “May contain traces of nuts or other herbs”
- Use consistent, legible fonts
- Place warnings prominently near ingredient list
Even if allergen risk is minimal, transparent communication is essential for consumer safety and export compliance.
5. Integration with GMP & Traceability
- Batch coding allows tracking of potential allergen exposure
- Harvest logs record tools, drying areas, and personnel, minimizing cross-contamination
- Ensures regulatory compliance and food safety audits
6. TESDA-Aligned Learning Outcomes
Learners will be able to:
- Identify allergen risks in herbal leaf production
- Implement cross-contamination prevention measures
- Apply accurate, regulatory-compliant labeling
- Maintain batch traceability linked to allergen safety
- Prepare leaves for ASEAN and global markets safely
7. Regulatory References
- FDA-PH Food Labeling Guidelines
- BFAD legacy herbal tea circulars (ingredient declaration)
- Codex Alimentarius / ASEAN Food Standards (allergen management and labeling)
8. Training Disclaimer
This module focuses on food-grade agarwood leaf products.
Resin, medicinal-grade products, or therapeutic claims are outside this scope.
✅ Ideal For:
- TESDA CBLM & export training modules
- Oud Academia food safety, labeling, and allergen management courses
- Plantation SOPs, packaging, and quality assurance manuals
- ASEAN and international export compliance
I can next create:
- A clear infographic summarizing allergen risks + labeling requirements
- A fillable label template for agarwood leaf tea
- Integration with batch coding, traceability, and GMP workflow
Do you want me to make the infographic summarizing allergen and labeling requirements next?