Allergen testing 101 with MSC

In the ever-evolving landscape of the food industry, ensuring the safety and quality of our meals is paramount. One critical aspect that often goes underappreciated is allergen testing, a cornerstone of food safety protocols. With a growing number of individuals worldwide affected by food allergies, the need for rigorous allergen testing in food labs has never been more crucial.

Allergen testing serves as a powerful tool to identify and quantify the presence of allergenic substances in food products, such as peanuts, milk, eggs, and gluten. By doing so, it allows food manufacturers to label their products accurately, thus enabling consumers with allergies to make informed choices about what they eat. Moreover, allergen testing helps prevent potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, making it a vital element in the broader mission of public health. Regulatory bodies worldwide have also established strict guidelines for allergen labelling, and non-compliance can lead to severe consequences for food companies. Notably, EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 requires food manufacturers to label their products with all ingredients potentially capable of causing allergic reactions.

With MSC and one of our latest partners, Gold Standard Diagnostics, your lab can accurately and confidently screen for allergens throughout the food production process, from raw materials to the final product.

DNAllergen Real-Time PCR Kits: Pioneering Precision

Gold Standard Diagnostics’ DNAllergen Real-Time PCR Kits represent a cutting-edge approach to allergen testing. This molecular testing method allows for the detection of specific allergens that may be challenging to identify using traditional immunoassays. For example, allergens like celery, which can be elusive in conventional tests, are easily pinpointed using this technique. Moreover, these PCR kits boast the unique advantage of exhibiting no cross-reactivity with related species, such as mustard and rapeseed.

Key Benefits of DNAllergen Real-Time PCR Kits:

1. Higher Sensitivity: These kits offer a heightened level of sensitivity, ensuring the accurate detection of allergens, even at very low concentrations.
2. Specific Allergen Detection: DNAllergen PCR Kits excel at detecting specific allergens avoiding cross reactivity that some other traditional tests my incur.
3. Compatibility: They are compatible with all types of PCR cyclers available on the market, offering versatility to labs.
4. Cost-Effective: Each kit provides 50 reactions, making them a cost-effective solution for allergen testing.

SENSIStrip Lateral Flow Tests: Quick and Easy Allergen Control

In the fast-paced world of food production, time is of the essence. Gold Standard Diagnostics’ SENSIStrip Lateral Flow Tests serve as the perfect on-the-spot test with their short incubation times. These tests are designed to minimize the need for external analyses, significantly reducing the time required to release food products to the market. With just a few minutes of incubation time, these tests offer an easy-to-use solution for effective control at various stages of the food manufacturing process, including cleaning validations, raw materials, and the finished products.

Key Benefits of SENSIStrip Lateral Flow Tests:

1. High Sensitivity: These tests offer a high level of sensitivity with low limits of detection.
2. Semi-Quantitative Results: The tests provide semi-quantitative results through an evaluation card, aiding in precise allergen control.
3. User-Friendly: No highly qualified personnel are required; they are fast and easy to use.
4. Ready-to-Use Material: Each kit provides all the necessary materials for 20 ready-to-use tests
5. Automation: The RapidScan ST5-W lateral flow reader is a unique and flexible instrument, ideal for both laboratory and field testing environments to capture results and provide quantitative results.

SENSISpec Allergen Detection ELISA Kits: Simplifying Allergen Testing

For those seeking to streamline in-house allergen testing processes, Gold Standard Diagnostics offers a comprehensive range of allergen ELISA test kits. These kits are designed to reliably detect potential allergens resulting from even low-level cross-contamination. They deliver fast and accurate results, covering all key allergens.

Key Benefits of SENSISpec ELISA Kits:

1. Quick and Sensitive: ELISA kits offer a quick and sensitive method with low limits of detection.
2. Quantitative Results: They provide quantitative results in a simple test format.
3. Comprehensive Portfolio: ELISA kits are available for all key allergens.
4. Automation: ELISA Analyzers like BoltTM and ThunderBolt® are fully automated, compact, and cost-efficient platforms suitable for various GSD allergen ELISA kits.

Gluten Testing with AOAC PTM: SENSISpec INgezim Gluten R5 ELISA

For gluten testing, the SENSISpec INgezim Gluten R5 ELISA kit is based on the R5 monoclonal antibody, specifically targeting proteins from wheat, rye, and barley. This validated assay offers fast and reliable quantitative results, with a limit of detection as low as 3 ppm (mg/kg). Its AOAC Performance Tested Method (PTM) status further underscores its accuracy and reliability. The kit can be used as a reliable tool within an allergen risk management program and is a validated assay for ISO 17025-accredited laboratories.

Get In Touch