Accurate and reliable detection of food allergens ensures the safety and quality of your food products and processes
Food allergies, characterized by an abnormal immune response to specific foods, are a growing concern globally. Unlike intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, which do not involve the immune system, allergies can provoke a range of reactions, from mild skin irritations to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Food allergens testing is important for the food industry to avoid allergy problems in the consumers.
Given the unpredictable nature of allergic reactions, prevention is paramount. Individuals diagnosed with food allergies must be vigilant about reading food labels and identifying potential allergens in food products. Moreover, communicating dietary restrictions to restaurants and food service providers is crucial to avoiding accidental exposure.
The key legislation addressing food allergens in South Africa includes the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act of 1972, as well as the Food Labelling Regulations, 2010.
- Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act, 1972: this act provides the legal framework for the regulation of food products in South Africa.
- Food Labelling Regulations, 2010: the Food Labelling Regulations, which fall under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act, set out specific requirements for labelling of food products, including the declaration of allergens. The regulations require that food labels clearly indicate the presence of common allergens. Common allergens typically include ingredients like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, and gluten-containing grains.
Detection of food allergens
Food manufacturers may use precautionary allergen labelling (such as “may contain” or “produced in a facility that processes”) to warn consumers about the possible presence of allergens due to cross-contamination during manufacturing.
Accurate and reliable detection of allergens ensures the safety and quality of your food products and processes, verifies food properties for labeling and safeguards your brand image.
Thanks to our technical team of food safety experts and our advanced technology, including an immunoassay test (ELISA), you will be able to know the existence and quantification of allergens in your products.
What allergens do we detect?
- Gluten
- Egg protein
- Milk
- B-Lactoglobulin
- Casein
- Lactose
- Fish
- Crustacean
- Sulfites
- Soy
- Mustard
- Almond
- Peanut
- Hazelnut
- Walnuts
- Pistachio
- Sesame
- Lysozyme
- Celery
Contact us today and discover the advantages of having AGQ Labs as your laboratory testing partner. Discover more advantages of AGQ Labs, the leading laboratory in food safety.
