Food allergens

Reliable analytical solutions for your allergen management

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Food allergen testing

For the majority of the general public, the consumption of food is harmless. However, it may cause life threatening reactions in food allergic subjects and dramatically restrict the quality of life. Food allergen management using reliable food allergen test methods is therefore of greatest importance.

Scientists estimate that approximately 2 – 4 % of adults and 6 – 8 % of children suffer from food allergies as well as the huge number of persons with food intolerances, their prevalence is difficult to estimate, due to missing studies. Different to food intolerances, real food allergies are highly dangerous for patients, because they are caused by errant immune reactions. These reactions are usually triggered by proteins; allergic subjects are already sensitized to these proteins.

The labelling of these allergenic proteins, called allergens, is of great importance for allergic subjects. In this context, hidden allergens are dangerous due to their appearance, for example in convenience food or as unintended contaminations of food during storage and production.

Allergen regulation

To protect allergic persons from undesired consumption of allergens, the food labeling regulation of the EU was passed. This EU regulation is continuously updated and revised (EU regulation 1169/2011, became effective in December 2014). Since November 2005, food producers are committed to label ingredients which can cause allergies or intolerances. This includes following substances and food produced from them:

Furthermore, sulfur dioxide and sulfites in a concentration more than 10 milligram per kilogram must be labelled. Other countries also have labelling regulations, adapted to country-specific allergens, e.g. concerning Histamine.

An interactive map of international allergen regulations is available from the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program (FARRP).

Allergen risk management

In most production lines, more than one product is produced which may result in unintended contaminations with allergens. Contamination may occur due to cross-contact of raw materials, poor storage, contaminated joint production machinery, dust in the air, improper reuse of leftovers, incomplete or faulty packaging, or other. To protect consumers and to assure an adequate labelling, an HACCP concept including reliable on-site allergen analyses must be implemented. Measures such as well thought out production schedules and effective cleaning practices can minimize allergen cross contact.

Test kits for allergen analysis

For the purpose of allergen analysis, R-Biopharm provides immunochemical (ELISA, lateral flow test) as well as molecular biological (PCR) techniques. R-Biopharm has a wide portfolio for allergen tests including test kits for almond, casein, crustacean, egg, gluten/gliadin, hazelnut, ß-lactoglobulin, lupine, milk, mustard, peanut, sesame and soy. An allergen-free lab is a prerequisite for the analysis of allergens in food.

The lateral flow tests from bioavid are available in a new format. In addition to the included hook line, everything for cleaning control is now included in the kit. For more information.

Explore our video section to get hands-on information on allergen analysis and the test procedure of our kits.

Product portfolio

ProductDescriptionNo. of tests/amountArt. No.
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Almond/Pistachio/Cashew+IAC

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Almond/Pistachio/Cashew+IAC is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific almond (Prunus dulcis), pistachio (Pistacia vera) and cashew (Anacardium occidentale) DNA sequences …

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100 reactions S3406
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex EU NUTS

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex EU NUTS is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of almond (Prunus dulcis), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), pistachio (Pistacia vera), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), hazelnut (Corylus …

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100 reactions S3404
SureFood® ALLERGEN Shea Nut

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Shea Nut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific shea nut (Vitellaria paradoxa) DNA sequences in raw material.

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100 reactions S3622
SureFood® ALLERGEN Beechnut

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Beechnut is a real-time PCR for the direct qualitative detection of specific beechnut (Fagus sylvatica) DNA sequences in food.

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100 reactions S3628
SureFood® ALLERGEN Insects

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Insects is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific insects (Insecta) DNA sequences.

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100 reactions S3626
SureFood® ALLERGEN Pine Nut

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Pine Nut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific pine nut (Pinus spp.) DNA sequences in food. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions S3624
SureFood® ALLERGEN Buckwheat

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Buckwheat is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) DNA sequences. For the quantitative determination the use of the laboratory reference …

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100 reactions S3620
TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800

The TANBead Maelstrom™ 4800 (Taiwan Advanced Nanotech) is a fully automated operating instrument for nucleic acid purification and isolation using magnetic beads and rods. The instrument uses the TANBead patented Maelstrom Spin Mixing Technology to …

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Up to 48 samples ZMAL48
SureFast® Mag PREP Food

The kit is intended to be used for isolation of animal and plant DNA from food and feed as well as bacterial DNA from bacterial culture enrichments with the TANBead® Maelstrom 4800. Standardization and harmonization of methods Reduction of errors …

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96 preparations F1060
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Cereals

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Cereals is a real-time PCR test for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific wheat (Triticum), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and rye (Secale cereale) DNA sequences in food. Each reaction contains an …

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100 reactions S7006
SureFood® Apricot

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of apricot (Prunus armenica). Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions S7007
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Macadamia / Brazil Nut / Pecan + IAC

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Macadamia/Brazil Nut/Pecan + IAC is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific macadamia (Macadamia ternifolia), brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) and pecan (Carya …

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100 reactions S3403
SureFood® Oat

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of oat (Avena sativa) qualitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC).

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100 reactions S7004
SureFood® ALLERGEN Mustard

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Mustard is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific white mustard (Sinapis alba), indian mustard (Brassica juncea) und black mustard (Brassica nigra) DNA sequences according to …

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100 reactions S3609
SureFood® ALLERGEN Lupin

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of lupin (Lupinus spp.) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of the …

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100 reactions S3611
SureFood® ALLERGEN Celery

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of celery (Apium graveolens) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of …

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100 reactions S3605
SureFood® ALLERGEN Molluscs

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Molluscs is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific molluscs (mollusca) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 in food. The molluscs family contains 50,000 – …

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100 reactions S3613
SureFood® ALLERGEN Fish

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Fish is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific fish DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. The group of fishes contains about 30000 species. Due to the large …

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100 reactions S3610
SureFood® ALLERGEN Crustaceans

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Crustaceans is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific crustaceans (Crustacea) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. The crustacean family contains about 44,000 …

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100 reactions S3612
SureFood® ALLERGEN Sesame

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of sesame (Sesamum indicum) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of …

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100 reactions S3608
SureFood® ALLERGEN Walnut

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Walnut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific walnut (Juglans regia and Juglans nigra) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination …

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100 reactions S3607
SureFood® ALLERGEN Pistachio

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Pistachio is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific pistachio (Pistacia vera) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination the use of …

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100 reactions S3614
SureFood® ALLERGEN Pecan

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Pecan is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific pecan (Carya illinoinensis) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination the use of …

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100 reactions S3618
SureFood® ALLERGEN Peanut

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of …

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100 reactions S3603
SureFood® ALLERGEN Macadamia

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of macadamia (Macadamia ternifolia) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the …

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100 reactions S3616
SureFood® ALLERGEN Hazelnut

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of hazelnut (Glycine max) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of …

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100 reactions S3602
SureFood® ALLERGEN Cashew

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the …

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100 reactions S3615
SureFood® ALLERGEN Brazil Nut

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Brazil Nut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) 1169/2011. For the quantitative determination …

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100 reactions S3617
SureFood® ALLERGEN Almond

The real-time PCR test detects DNA of almond (Prunus dulcis) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of …

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100 reactions S3604
SureFood® ALLERGEN Soya

The real-time PCR test detects soya DNA (Glycine max) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative determination the use of the …

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100 reactions S3601
SureFood® ALLERGEN Gluten

The SureFood® ALLERGEN Gluten is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative and / or quantitative detection of specific gluten-containing cereals (wheat such as spelt and khorasan wheat, rye, barley, oats) DNA sequences according to directive (EC) …

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100 reactions S3606
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Soya / Celery / Mustard + IAC

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Soya / Celery / Mustard + IAC is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific celery (Apium graveolens), mustard (Brassica carinata, Brassica juncea, Brassica nigra, Sinapis alba, …

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100 reactions S3401
SureFood® QUANTARD Allergen 40

SureFood® QUANTARD Allergen 40 is a laboratory reference material developed for quantification in the range of 1 – 400 mg allergenic substance / kg food.

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1x 2 g S3301
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Peanut / Hazelnut / Walnut + IAC

The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Peanut/Hazelnut/Walnut+IAC is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific Peanut (Arachis hypogaea), Hazelnut (Corylus maxima) and Walnut (Juglans regia, Juglans nigra) DNA …

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100 reactions S3402
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