Food allergens
Reliable analytical solutions for your allergen management

Food allergen testing

The importance of food allergen management

For most people, consuming food is harmless, but for those with food allergies, it can cause life-threatening reactions and significantly impact their quality of life. Effective food allergen management using reliable testing methods is therefore critical.

Prevalence of food allergies and intolerances

Scientists estimate that approximately 2-4% of adults and 6-8% of children suffer from food allergies. Additionally, a significant number of people have food intolerances, although their exact prevalence is difficult to determine due to a lack of comprehensive studies. Unlike food intolerances, food allergies are highly dangerous because they are caused by immune system reactions triggered by proteins to which individuals are sensitized.

The need for accurate allergen labeling

Labeling allergenic proteins, known as allergens, is crucial for protecting allergic individuals. Hidden allergens, which can appear in convenience foods or as unintended contaminants during storage and production, pose significant risks.

Allergen regulation

To safeguard allergic individuals, the EU implemented food labeling regulations, which are continuously updated (EU Regulation 1169/2011, effective December 2014). Since November 2005, food producers are required to label ingredients that can cause allergies or intolerances. This includes a comprehensive list of substances and products derived from them.

Celery Egg Fish Gluten Lupin Milk Mustard Peanut Sesame Shellfish Soy Tree nuts

Furthermore, sulfur dioxide and sulfites in concentrations over 10 milligrams per kilogram must be labeled. Other countries have similar regulations tailored to country-specific allergens, such as Histamine.

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

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Allergen risk management

In most production lines, multiple products are produced, leading to potential unintended allergen contamination. This can occur through cross-contact of raw materials, inadequate storage, shared production equipment, airborne dust, improper reuse of leftovers, or faulty packaging. To protect consumers and ensure accurate labeling, an HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) concept, including reliable on-site allergen analysis, must be implemented. Effective measures such as strategic production schedules and rigorous cleaning practices can minimize cross-contact with allergens.

Infographics

Allergen management

To support the food industry in their allergen risk assessment, we have designed a guide. This infographic shows at which points and areas in the complete food process (from the receipt of raw materials through production to labeling and packaging) allergen risks are present and which methods are best suited for the corresponding allergen analysis.

Test kits for allergen analysis

R-Biopharm offers a range of immunochemical (ELISA, lateral flow tests) and molecular biological (PCR) techniques for allergen analysis. Our extensive portfolio includes test kits for almond, casein, crustacean, egg, gluten/gliadin, hazelnut, β-lactoglobulin, lupine, milk, mustard, peanut, sesame, and soy. Conducting allergen analysis requires an allergen-free laboratory to ensure accurate results.

The bioavid lateral flow tests are now available in a new format, which includes a hook line and everything needed for cleaning control. Find out more about our bioavid lateral flow tests.

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

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Product portfolio

Real-time PCR

Efficient molecular assays for food analysis

Product	Description	No. of tests/amount	Art. No.
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex SEAFOOD	The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex SEAFOOD is a multiplex real-time PCR for the qualitative detection and differentiation of specific fish, crustaceans and molluscs DNA. Read more	100 reactions	S3405
SureFood® ALLERGEN Coconut	The SureFood® ALLERGEN Coconut is a real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection of specific coconut (Cocos nucifera) DNA sequences in food. Read more	100 reactions	S3621
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Almond/Pistachio/Cashew+IAC	The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Almond/Pistachio/Cashew+IAC is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific almond (Prunus dulcis), pistachio (Pistacia vera) and cashew (Anacardium occidentale) DNA … Read more	100 reactions	S3406
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex EU NUTS	The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex EU NUTS is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of almond (Prunus dulcis), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), pistachio (Pistacia vera), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), hazelnut … Read more	100 reactions	S3404
SureFood® 4plex LEGUMES	The SureFood® 4plex LEGUMES is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific DNA sequences of legumes (Fabaceae), bean (Phaseolus spp. and Vigna spp.) and pea (Pisum sativum). Read more	100 reactions	S7008
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 multiplex 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 … 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 multiplex 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® ALLERGEN 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 (Corylus avellana, Corylus maxima) according to directive (EC) 1169/2011 qualitatively and / or quantitatively. Each reaction contains an internal amplification control (IAC). For the quantitative … 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 multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific celery (Apium graveolens), mustard (Brassica carinata, Brassica juncea, Brassica nigra, … 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. It is verified in combination with the DNA extraction method SureFood® PREP Advanced … Read more	1x 2 g	S3301
SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Peanut / Hazelnut / Walnut + IAC	The SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex Peanut/Hazelnut/Walnut+IAC is a multiplex real-time PCR for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific Peanut (Arachis hypogaea), Hazelnut (Corylus maxima) and Walnut (Juglans regia, Juglans nigra) … Read more	100 reactions	S3402