Food Allergens

For most people, consuming food is harmless, but for those with food allergies, it can trigger life-threatening reactions and significantly impact quality of life. Effective allergen management using reliable testing methods is therefore critical. Scientists estimate that 2–4% of adults and 6–8% of children suffer from food allergies. Many more have food intolerances, though their prevalence is harder to determine. Unlike intolerances, food allergies are dangerous because they result from immune reactions to specific proteins.

Accurate labelling of allergenic proteins is essential to protect allergic individuals. Hidden allergens can appear in convenience foods or as unintended contaminants during production and storage, posing significant risks.

To safeguard consumers, the EU introduced food labelling regulations (EU Regulation 1169/2011, effective December 2014), requiring producers to disclose ingredients that can cause allergies or intolerances, including sulphur dioxide and sulfites over 10 mg/kg. Other countries have similar regulations addressing local allergens, such as histamine. Production lines often handle multiple products, creating a risk of unintended allergen contamination via cross-contact of raw materials, shared equipment, airborne dust, or improper handling. Implementing HACCP principles with on-site allergen testing, strategic production scheduling, and rigorous cleaning practices helps minimise these risks.

R-Biopharm provides a comprehensive range of immunochemical (ELISA, lateral flow) and molecular (PCR) test kits for allergens including almond, casein, crustacean, egg, gluten/gliadin, hazelnut, β-lactoglobulin, lupine, milk, mustard, peanut, sesame, and soy. Allergen analysis should be conducted in allergen-free laboratories for accurate results. Our bioavid lateral flow tests are now available in a new format, including a hook line and all components needed for cleaning control, offering convenient and reliable on-site allergen testing.