Testing for Allergens in Food

It is estimated that 3.5-4% of adults and 6-9% of children have a food intolerance or allergy of some form. These can range from mild symptoms such as rashes to anaphylactic shock and death.  90% of all allergic reactions are caused by peanuts, eggs, milk, soya, wheat (gluten), fish, crustaceans such as prawns or crabs and tree nuts such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds.

Labelling requirements

Since 2008, an EU directive has been in place requiring that all pre-packed foods sold in the UK containing certain allergenic ingredients or derivatives must be clearly labelled.  These include all of the main allergens listed above, plus sesame, mustard, celery, lupine, molluscs and sulphites. So it is essential suppliers of foodstuffs comply with this legislation.

Testing for the presence of certain food allergens helps to assure a manufacturer that an undeclared allergen has not found its way into a product.  For this reason, testing can also protect a company's reputation, minimizing the chance of costly product recalls and adverse publicity.

Testing of final product, swabs from equipment after sanitation and/or rinse water can be used to verify the efficacy of a cleaning procedure and can identify sources of cross contamination.

Comprehensive range of allergen testing

Our ELISA testing facility in Wolverhampton, supported by other highly specialised Eurofins laboratories, offers a comprehensive range of allergen testing to meet the increasing demands put on our customers.

Contact our sales team on 0845 604 6740 or email us on sales@eurofins.co.uk