Food Allergen Testing | Cross Contamination and Safe Food Production

What are Food Allergens?

Food allergens are proteins that the immune system recognizes as foreign and reacts to. The most common allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, shellfish, tree nuts and fish. These substances can lead to cross-contamination during food production and can be dangerous for allergic individuals.

What is Cross Contamination?

Cross-contamination is when allergens are introduced into different foods. This often occurs through the use of the same production line, inadequate cleaning or contamination of raw materials during transportation. For food manufacturers, preventing cross-contamination is vital.

Food Allergen Tests and Analysis Methods

Food manufacturers and laboratories use different analysis methods for allergen detection. The most common test methods are the following:

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) Test: The ELISA test is a sensitive method used to detect specific allergen proteins. It is widely preferred in the food industry because it is rapid and specific.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Allergen Detection: The PCR method is a DNA-based analysis that determines the presence of allergens by detecting genetic materials in foods. It is a highly sensitive test and is used to verify ingredients.
Lateral Flow Tests: These tests are used for rapid and portable allergen detection in foods. Although less sensitive than ELISA, it offers a practical solution.
Mass Spectrometry:This method is used to accurately and precisely analyze protein-based allergens. However, due to its cost, it is generally preferred in advanced laboratories.

Regulations on Food Allergens

There are different legal regulations on food allergens in the world and in Turkey:

EU Food Labeling Regulation: Requires clear labeling of allergens.
FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA): Requires certain allergens to be listed on food labels in the US.
Turkish Food Codex: Sets standards for allergen notification and product labeling in foods.

Why is Food Allergen Testing Important?

Food allergen testing is essential to protect consumer health and comply with legal regulations. Allergen mislabeling or contamination can lead to legal liability for food manufacturers and damage brand reputation.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Food Allergen Analysis. We also provide services in Dioxin Analysis.

You can follow us on LinkedIn for up-to-date news and shares about our services.

Follow our Instagram account to be informed about our latest blog posts.