Sōl Sunflower Beverage - More Information

I received the responses to my emails and here is some more information about potential cross-contamination:

According to the "Allergy Sheets", the only allergen contained directly in the product is the "secondary allergen", sunflower seeds.

Under "Contained in Other Products Manufactured on the Same Line" there was a "YES" for the following:

• Milk (incl. whey, casein, sodium caseinate, lactose)
• Wheat (incl. wheat gluten)
• Soy
• Tree nuts (Walnuts, Almonds, Pecans, Pistachios, Hazelnuts (Filberts), Cashews, Hickory Nuts, Chestnuts, Macadamia Nuts, Pine Nuts, and other varieties of tree nuts.)
• Grains/gluten (incl. barley, oats and rice)

The same items are listed under "Contained in Other Products Manufactured in the Same Plant."

I asked what process they used to prevent cross-contamination and they replied that they use "CIP" processing.  I didn't know what that was, so I looked it up and it refers to "Clean in Place" and I found this interesting article about it.  I inquired further and they replied:

"We use a multi pass/re-circulated system. The caustic water and acid water are reclaimed and the rinse water is not.

And we do test in house on a regular base [sic] for allergens."

The "multi-pass/re-circulated system" was mentioned in the article as having the potential issue of cross-contamination, BUT the article also said other steps can be taken to reduce the risk, and if they are testing for allergens, regularly, then that should further reduce the risk.