Implications of food allergen cross-contamination

Monday, 24 May 2010 09:31

Dr Steve Taylor and his colleague Joseph Baumert of FARRP at the University of Nebraska have recently published a paper on cross contamination of foods and the implications for food allergic patients. They cite known cases of food allergy reactions caused by the accidental, undeclared presence of allergens in foods. However they believe these published cases are likely to represent ‘the tip of a rather large iceberg’.

While those preparing food for allergic consumers have the responsibility to prepare foods safely, the authors believe recognition of very low, safe thresholds, would improve quality of life for food allergic consumers.

Reference: Taylor & Baumert, April 2010. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. DOI: 10.1007/s11882-010-0112-4.