Top 5 Common Food Allergens

Nowadays, food allergies are an ever-increasing concern for everyone, including the food industry. The number of reported cases is on the rise, and this is evident all over the world. Even a small amount of these allergens can bring about a mild or severe reaction, or even an anaphylactic shock. This, in turn, makes it imperative that not only can the allergens be detected in the product, but the allergens can also be controlled in the system. This is exactly where allergen detection kits prove to be an excellent tool, not only to ensure that the product is safe, but also to ensure that the product complies with legislative requirements and, above all, gives the end user peace of mind.

Top 5 Common Food Allergens

1. Peanuts

Peanuts are said to cause a severe and long-lasting allergy. Some quite severe consequences are experienced upon taking even the smallest amount of this particular food. Peanuts are used as ingredients in many of our food items such as treats and baked snacks, as well as in margarines and vegetable oils. Hence, peanut allergens are easily cross-contaminated in these plants.

2. Milk (Dairy Products)

Milk allergy is said to be one of the common allergies, especially in children. Food allergens in food products are quite hard to detect, especially in milk proteins such as casein and whey, which are found in many foods such as baked goods, chocolates, and ready-to-eat meals.

3. Gluten (Wheat and Related Grains)

Gluten is a major concern for wheat allergy sufferers or gluten intolerants. Gluten is not only found in wheat bread and pasta but also in other hidden forms such as sauces, seasonings, and processed foods. 

4. Soy

Soy is a popular ingredient in many food products. It is a popular choice for food manufacturers due to its high protein content. Some examples of food products that contain soy include sauce, meat alternatives, baked goods, and snack foods. Soy is a major cause for its allergenic potential due to its wide use in food products. 

5. Tree Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts, etc.)

Tree nuts are commonly used in baked goods, desserts, candies, chocolates, and health food. Food manufacturers are concerned about cross-contamination of tree nuts in their food products if they share a facility or equipment with other food products that contain tree nuts.

How Allergen Detection Kits Help Identify Them

Allergen detection kits are tests that help identify allergenic proteins in food products, ingredients, and processing environments. Our tests use cutting-edge scientific technology to produce the most sensitive results possible. 

ELISA-Based Detection (Protein Level)

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is the most widely used method of allergen detection. ELISA-based allergen detection kits involve the identification of the proteins that make up the allergen. ELISA-based allergen detection kits are very sensitive and are widely used in many different applications on a daily basis. They can be used in food processing to ensure that regulatory requirements are met.

PCR Based Detection (DNA Level)

The term PCR refers to polymerase chain reaction, which is essentially the technology used in the screening test for allergen-specific DNA sequences. This type of screening test is highly suitable for processed foods, as in this type of food, due to exposure to heat and/or chemicals, the protein structure may be modified, and hence this cannot be detected through ELISA tests. The kits for allergen detection based on PCR technology are highly precise, and this technology provides better accuracy in detecting the presence of even minute amounts of specific allergens in the given food product.

Lateral Flow Devices (Rapid Testing)

The Lateral Flow Allergen Detection kits are highly suitable for giving instant results, and this technology can be used for conducting tests even on the surfaces within the manufacturing plant, thus enabling corrective action to be taken in time to prevent contamination from occurring.

Conclusion

The rate of food allergies is on the increase. Immunology experts need a way to quickly and effectively identify allergens. The major food allergens include peanuts, milk, gluten, soy, and tree nuts. These common allergens are often found in a wide range of food products, often as unexpected and invisible ingredients.

The allergens found in food products can be detected through the application of screening tests like ELISA and PCR tests. Companies that apply the tests to their quality control processes are able to improve food safety, regulatory compliance, and, above all, consumer protection.