Allergen testing seeks to determine the presence of foods or food residues that are classified as allergens in foods or beverages that are not labeled as containing those foods. Class 1 allergens, which encompass the Big 9, are of the greatest concern in allergen testing.
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.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently highlighted various fellowship projects across Europe, providing insight into the recent and ongoing work of EFSA in the realm of food safety risk assessment for various chemical and microbiological hazards.
Hygiena has announced its new AlerTox line for almond, hazelnut, and soy. AlerTox is an ultra-sensitive allergen detection system that supports thorough Hazards Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) protocols.
With so many ingredient, flavor and preservative combinations possible, food matrices can be very complex. Bia Diagnostics can develop a customized plan to meet your specific testing needs, including evaluation and validation of the method with each specific matrix that the assay would encounter in your facility.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine has issued a report with recommendations for improving the situation for individuals with food allergies.