Allergen Communication: Connecting Controls, Culture & Consumers

Reading, UK - Thursday 12 March 2026

 

We are pleased to extend a special invitation to register your interest to attend this free, full-day event focused on the power of effective allergen communication to help safeguard the allergic consumer.


Don’t miss your opportunity to join us as we explore the challenges of building a positive food safety culture, the importance of clear communication across the supply chain, PAL compliance, maintaining consumer trust and much more. Together, we will tackle the key issues and challenges to help you navigate our ever-evolving industry.


This is a unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, share insights and build valuable connections with fellow professionals.

Lady examining yoghurt pot

 

Who should attend?


This seminar is designed for food industry professionals involved in any aspect of allergen communication, from suppliers and internal food safety teams to those communicating directly with allergic consumers, all united by the shared goal of protecting the allergic consumer.

 

Please note: Spaces are limited

Due to the anticipated popularity of this seminar, we will be limiting tickets to two per organisation. Please wait for us to confirm that you have secured a space before planning your diary and making travel arrangements.  

 

Register your interest in attending and we will get back to you if you have been successful in securing a place.

 

Programme

RSSL allergen communication seminar agenda 2026

A

 

Guest speakers

 RSSL Allergen Communications seminar Speaker Ash Stretton

 

 

Marks and Spencer's logo

Ash Stretton – Food Regulatory Affairs Manager (Central Technical Operations), M&S 

Ash has over 15 years of experience in the food industry, working across production, operations, process, quality, technical, regulatory affairs and legal in both manufacturing and retail. He currently leads food regulatory and compliance activities at M&S and is a former Chair of the IFST Regulatory Group, a Fellow of the Institute, a Registered Food Safety Principal and a Chartered Scientist. 

Andrew Elliott, speaker at RSSL's Allergen Seminar March 2026

 

Pepsico logo

Andrew Elliott – Food Safety and Quality Manager for Europe, PepsiCo 

Andrew currently leads the implementation of key food safety and quality programmes across PepsiCo Foods and Beverages. With 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, he has held technical roles across snacks, confectionery, dairy, soft drinks and health supplements. 

Sarah Wood, speaker for RSSL allergen Seminar 2026

 

Samworth Brothers logo

Sarah Wood - Group Technical and Sustainability Director, Samworth Brothers

With over 30 years in the food industry, Sarah is a trusted leader across chilled and ambient own-label and branded sectors. A champion of food safety and quality culture, she’s equally passionate about developing talent and succession planning. Focused on health and resilient supply chains, Sarah serves as a non-executive at a health-based food production company and sits on the executive board of the Chilled Foods Association.

 

Meet the RSSL team

 

 

 

 Barbara Hirst - Senior Food Safety and Quality Consultant

Barbara is widely recognised as an expert in allergen management. With over 20 years’ experience and a strong analytical background, she advises food manufacturers on effective cleaning validation studies. She works closely with clients to understand allergen control challenges, providing targeted support through factory visits and training. Having worked with numerous food manufacturing and catering clients, Barbara brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to allergen management.

 

 

 

Carl Byrne - Scientist - DNA & Protein

Carl has over 15 years of experience in food allergen testing using ELISA and PCR techniques. His skills and knowledge enable him to advise food manufacturers on appropriate testing methodology and results interpretation.

 

 

Leyla Collins - Food Safety and Quality Consultant

Leyla has 13 years’ experience in allergen testing and cleaning validation studies. Drawing on her in-depth knowledge of food manufacturing environments and her role as lead supervisor of a small production facility, she provides expert guidance on sampling strategies, results interpretation, suitable next steps and robust allergen risk analysis.

Ton D'cruz - rssl allergen seminar speaker march 2026

 

Tony D’Cruz - Senior Team Leader - DNA and Protein 

Tony brings 14 years of professional experience in molecular biology and PCR, including four years specialising in allergen testing. His strong technical expertise allows him to advise food manufacturers on selecting the most appropriate testing methodologies. He is also highly skilled in interpreting analytical results to support food safety and quality.

Need to contact us? Get help or ask us a question

Send an enquiry Send an enquiry