New foods with low allergenicity may be overlooked

Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands are concerned that novel hypoallergenic foods that could benefit consumers with serious allergies are being overlooked by current legislation.

The group has looked at relevant legislation from many countries, focusing specifically on considerations and assessments for allergy risk and benefits. The findings indicate that while all novel foods require allergenicity assessment before they enter the market, current regulation does not specify how such assessments should be done and does not legislate for any form of benefit evaluation.

Currently, the end result of the risk assessment procedures is a conclusion as to the likelihood of the novel food having allergenic potential. Following their review, the researchers suggest that when novel hypoallergenic foods are being assessed, testing for potential benefits should also be taken into consideration. They are calling for changes in legislation to support such risk-benefit analysis.

Reference: van Putten et al. 2010. Food Control. Doi: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2010.08.002