IFT article on food allergen detection

The September 2008 issue of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) magazine Food Technology featured an article on food allergen testing, written by the magazine's editor Neil Mermelstein.

The article begins with a summary of the different types of tests available for detecting food allergens (Sandwich ELISA, swabs, lateral flow devices, PCR and ATP). Much discussion then surrounds the challenges faced when testing for food allergens, based on comments provided by Dr Steve Taylor of the University of Nebraska and Food Allergy Research & Resource Program (FARRP). Amongst these challenges are harmonisation of the detection methods, threshold levels for the testing methods, and the lack of tests for certain major allergenic substances including fish and several tree nuts.

Research being conducted to develop and/or improve assays for various allergens was presented at the 2008 IFT in May, and a brief overview of this research is included in the article. This covers almonds, buckwheat, corn, fish, milk, mustard and soy.

The article also provides a very useful tabulated summary of test methods currently in the process of validation for acceptance as AOAC official methods, listed by manufacturer.

The article can be downloaded here.