We all love to treat ourselves with a dessert from time to time. Sometimes it’s a special occasion, like a celebration. Sometimes we’re just craving something sweet. However, it can be difficult to find a treat that everyone can actually eat. More than 32 million Americans, including 5.6 million children (AAFA, n.d.), are severely impacted by food allergies and must thoroughly look at the nutritional and ingredient information before indulging in a snack. According to the FDA, peanuts and tree nuts are one of the most common food allergens in the US (FDA, 2022), and from 2010 – 2017, peanut and tree nut allergies have increased in children by 21% and 18%, respectively (ACAAI, 2022).
AWG Brands understands that everyone should be able to consume snacks of their choosing without having to worry about their allergies. As a result, AWG Brands works with their suppliers to create various Best Choice peanut and tree nut-free offerings. The large selection of products includes the new seasonal frosted sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls, two-bite brownies, two-bite cupcakes, and regular-sized cupcakes.
AWG Brands is committed to providing great-tasting and allergen-free snacks to as many individuals as possible. A variety of measures are taken to ensure products are allergen free and safe to eat. Select suppliers have entered into an agreement with a third-party peanut/tree nut-free audit and have a peanut & tree nut-free team that meets to manage risk assessment. The production, shipping/receiving, sanitation, maintenance, and product development employees of these select suppliers must undergo Allergen Awareness, Peanut & Tree Nuts Policy, and Good Manufacturing Practices to orient them on standard practices. Visitors and contractors are also trained on the same practices. Employees are not allowed to bring or consume tree nut or peanut-derived products within all areas of our facilities to ensure products meet the standards. Product labels and packaging use allergen-free certifications from suppliers.
These standards and processes may seem complicated but AWG Brands and its suppliers believe they are necessary to ensure everyone can enjoy great-tasting nut-free snacks.
BCSS Seasonal Cookies
Nothing says holiday celebrations like delicious bakery items. Best Choice Superior Selections is stepping into this seasonality with colorful frosted sugar cookies. Patriotic cookies were introduced for the Memorial Day and 4th of July holidays. Harvest and winter cookies are in development and will be available for important fall and winter celebrations.
References
“AAFA.” Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/#:~:text=Nine%20foods%20cause%20most%20food,food%20allergies%20in%20the%20U.S.&text=About%2026%20million%20(10.8%25)%20U.S.%20adults%20have%20food%20allergies.
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Food Allergies.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/food-allergies#:~:text=of%20imported%20products.-,Major%20Food%20Allergens,peanuts%2C%20wheat%2C%20and%20soybeans. Nadolpho. “Peanut Allergy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” ACAAI Public Website, 13 Apr. 2022, https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/peanut/.