ALLERGEN SCREENING

The Human Immune System (HIS) prevents or Limits Infection / Harm by Neutralizing Pathogenic Organisms (Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Parasites, etc.) and other Extraneous Substances (Proteins, Pollen, Dust Mites, Molds, Animal Dander, etc.) that enter the body through Inhalation, the Skin, or through Ingestion. These Organisms and Substances are Harmless to the majority of people but are very harmful to others and are Termed Allergen. The Extreme Response of HIS to these Substances is termed “Allergy” (coined in 1906) and manifests in the form of clogged Sinus, Inflamed/ Itchy Skin, Respiratory/ Stomach Problems, or Life-Threatening Anaphylaxis.

Proteins in Food set off Allergies in about 6% of Adults and 8% of Children Globally. 08 Food Types Eggs, Dairy, Peanuts, Tree nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Soyabean & Sesame account for about 90% of all Allergies.

Major food allergens listed in the CCFL of Codex Alimentarius consist of all of the above (except Sesame) plus Sulphite Concentrations >10mg/ Kg. EU 1169/2011 Regulation Mandates that labels of pre-packed Food Destined for sale within the European Union specify the presence of any /all of the 14 Food Items, Types, and Chemical Compounds. The US Food Allergen Labelling and Consumer Protection Act, 2004 (US FDA-FALPA) Identifies 08 Food Items and Types as major Allergens with the Ninth, Sesame due to be added with effect from 01/01/2023.

08 Human Allergens ( Milk, Eggs, Fish, Shellfish, Tree nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soybean) are listed in the Indian Food Safety Standards Rules (FSSR), 2011 under the Food Safety Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. It mandates that FBOs prevent unintended presence of Allergens in Food Manufactured or Processed by them. PDPs (labels) must carry details of all potential Allergens used during preparation with a separate mention for the Presence of Ingredients with the Potential for Cross-contamination. FSSAI Rules for Pet Food based on the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Model, requires the FBOs to ensure that all Pet Food Products are free of Harmful substances including Pathogenic Microorganisms.

Regulatory Compliance is contingent on Analysis based Certification by Independent & Accredited Food Testing Organizations The most common Allergen Screening Methods for Food Testing are ELISA, MS, and RT-PCR. EFRACs Laboratory is accredited by NABL, FSSAI, BIS, APEDA, EIC/ EIA, and AGMARK for Food Allergen Screening.

EFRACs Food Testing Laboratory performs Food Allergen Testing across various food Matrices thereby enabling the Food Processing Industry to comply with extant Regulations.