SimplyOK Code of Practice
The SimplyOK certification scheme, also called Code of Practice or European Allergen Information Certification Standard, is ready to audit! Version 3 is issued September 2021.
The European Allergen Information Certification Standard can be used by every food business operator, from farm to fork (also B2B).
Improve your allergen management system and prevent allergen recalls by implementing the latest version 2 of the Simply OK Code of Practice.
NEW - Download Code of Practice version 3
Changes version 3
The main reason to issue version 3 of the standard is the release of VITAL ® 3.0 reference doses. The changes in VITAL have direct impact on the SimplyOK standard and as such changes are made to meet with the new VITAL requirements. Further:
- definitions are added (1.4);
- the audit time calculation (1.18) has been modified;
- Annex 3, AOECS Standard Gluten-free has been added.
In addition some changes to the standard are made to clarify the difference between a requirement (shall) and an option (should). A track changes version is available on request to illustrate all changes.
Tools
To provide correct allergen information, information from suppliers is required. Practice shows gathering the needed information can be difficult. Allergenen Consultancy has developed a template, which we support, with the aim to standardize the exchange of allergen information in the food chain. In addition, a quantitative risk assessment of cross-contamination of allergens (in accordance with VITAL®) is possible on the basis of this information.
What is SimplyOK?
SimplyOK developed a certification scheme, to audit the allergen management system of the food business operator. It provides customers the warranty of substantiate allergen information, from the list of ingredients, gluten free or lactose free claims and even in case of cross-contamination. A precautionary allergen statement however is only applied when cross-contamination cannot be prevented and a risk assessment is conducted by means of the VITAL® program. VITAL® has a scientific base and has laid down safe limits for each allergen, so-called reference doses.
The requirements on allergen management in SimplyOK are built on five basics. They are determined on the basis of years of experience and lessons learned from recall analysis. 
Reliable
Food business operators can check their allergen management system through a third party audit. This audit will be performed by special trained auditors in addition to your FSSC-, BRC or IFS-audit.
About SimplyOK
SimplyOK aims providing clear, reliable and complete information about allergens on food labels. Since 2013, a team of stakeholders from retail, industry, science, medical specialists, patient organizations, certification bodies, etc. have been working together to set up a certification scheme with requirements to an allergen management system. Key features include; applicable to any organization, low entry cost and risk based upon the VITAL Program. The SimplyOK mark will be available in future for food businesses who have succesfully prove to meet the requirements of the SimplyOK Standard.
Certified organizations
Do you want to check whether your supplier is SimplyOK certified?
Or see which companies have preceded you in certification?
Download the register of SimplyOK certified organizations below.
