ADVERTORIAL 15 In order to control all these possibilities of
contamination, the implementation of a HACCP concept and the definition of critical control points (CCPs) are essential. One control point could be testing of ingredients and supplier specifications before incoming goods are warehoused. Furthermore, the cleaning procedure should be validated and its effectiveness can be ensured by surface swabbing or testing the rinse water (Figure 1, page 14). At all CCPs, it is desirable to have the results as soon as possible so that fast decisions for product release can be assured or intervention against contamination can be made in a timely matter. At the same time, it has to be taken into account that traces of allergens are only detectable by specific tests and other actions for hygiene control are not sufficient. Since there are many regulations on
allergen labelling in place, there is a need for appropriate detection methods. Several technologies like specific antibody based tests e.g. enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) or lateral flow assays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods and newer concepts like mass spectrometry are available, all with varying degrees of commercialisation, giving both qualitative and quantitative results. Romer Labs® has developed a new product
line for rapid and simple detection of allergens- the AgraStrip® Allergen Test Strips. Real time testing using on-site lateral flow methods like AgraStrip® Allergen lateral flow tests can allow both testing and decisions to be made easily and expediently, especially when fast turnaround or trouble shooting is necessary. Everything is supplied within the test kit (no equipment required) and being stored at ambient temperatures means it can be used immediately (Figure 2). The tests are easy to use, require few skills and only a minimal amount of training (Figure 3). Currently, the list of AgraStrip® Allergen Test Kits includes tests for peanut, gluten, gluten G12, hazelnut, almond, walnut, casein, cashew/pistachio, macadamia nut, Brazil nut, egg, sesame, mustard and lupin. In addition to AgraStrip® tests for
application in the production facility, Romer Labs® have also developed a range of ELISA based test kits: AgraQuant® Allergen Kits. These kits are used for the analysis of food allergens in the laboratory and are available with the
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Figure 2AgraStrip® Allergen Test Kit includes the necessary equipment
following specificities: peanut, hazelnut, walnut, almond, soy, gluten, gluten G12, egg white, casein, β-lactoglobulin, mustard, lupin, crustacean and sesame. The AgraQuant® Gluten G12 Kit based on the G12 antibody specifically detects a toxic fragment (a 33 mer) in gluten which triggers the autoimmune reaction in coeliac patients. By establishing the important link between coeliac disease and detection of the immunotoxic peptides results
should be considered to be closer to the ideal of a food safety test. The implementation of an allergen
management system is of great importance for food manufacturers in order to increase the confidence in product safety and to reduce the risk of product recalls and the associated harm for the brand. Therefore, testing for the presence or, better still, absence of allergens by adequate analysis plays a decisive role.
Figure 3On-site procedure New Food Volume 14, Issue 5, 2011
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