Allergen Testing

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Although the levels of gluten in analyzed samples fell below EU limits, the results from conventional ELISA tests differed from those of a new, more sensitive method. Combining established rapid testing methods with advanced mass spectrometry techniques could potentially improve future detection capabilities.

The findings reinforce the importance of current best practice, which recommends same-day delivery on ice.

Allergen Alert is a portable device that automates the full laboratory analytical process in a “mini lab” so that consumers and foodservice professionals alike can detect the presence of allergens or gluten in a meal, onsite and in minutes, ensuring food safety for those with food allergies and celiac disease.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) commissioned a review to assess the current state of allergen testing methodologies, with the goal of identifying gaps, harmonizing testing protocols, and supporting risk management strategies.

USDA-FSIS has published its Annual Sampling Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, outlining the agency’s strategy for directing sampling resources in the coming year.

Beginning in September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) will implement a new sampling program to verify allergen label claims on ready-to-eat (RTE) foods.

A recent article identifies the challenges associated with allergenicity assessments of novel proteins and proposes a potential framework to prioritize proteins for allergenicity assessment.  

A tool developed by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) scientists allows for the screening of proteins in foods that trigger reactions in celiac disease patients, ensuring greater food safety. The tool could potentially be applied in a range of food safety areas.

After reviewing its sampling and testing programs, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will implement changes to its sampling programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. The agency also explained its sampling and testing priorities.

Risk-based approaches for food allergens offer a path forward for both allergen management and precautionary allergen labeling decision-making. After many years of research, a clearer picture has emerged of the population-level, threshold-dose distributions for major food allergens using data generated in double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge studies. If the food allergen management field is headed for a shift toward quantitative, risk-based management strategies, however, then several method considerations and important data gaps must be addressed.