The National Food Processors Association (NFPA) has released an industry "Code of Practice" for managing food allergens. The purpose of the Code is to delineate the general practices used by food companies that can ensure effective strategies for the management of food allergens. "This Code is an important step forward by the food industry in addressing the issue of food allergens," said Dr. Rhona Applebaum, NFPA's Executive Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. "The Code -- which has taken more than a year to finalize -- was developed with input not only from NFPA member companies but also from the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, the leading consumer group addressing this issue."