Food allergens
Reliable analytical solutions for your allergen management
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
Product | Description | No. of tests/amount | Art. 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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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. Read more |
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. Read more |
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. Read more |
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). Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
100 reactions | S7006 |
SureFood® Apricot |
The real-time PCR test detects DNA of apricot (Prunus armenica). Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). Read more |
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 … Read more |
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). Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 – … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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 … Read more |
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) … Read more |
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, … Read more |
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. Read more |
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 … Read more |
100 reactions | S3402 |