Laboratory analyses for allergens

Correct analysis method per sample
Results including interpretation and conversion factors
Support with VITAL, ED05 and PAL decisions

Allergenen Consultancy offers a complete laboratory service for allergens in the food industry, retail, or food service. We provide support in selecting the appropriate analytical method, calculating the correct dilution, performing allergen analyses, and interpreting results. Results are clearly reported with additional explanations. We always provide the correct conversion factors so that analysis results can be verified against standards and legislation (among others). VITAL en Dutch allergen policy/ ED05).
We also assist in drafting sampling or validation plans.

Register samples
for allergen analysis

Allergen analyses

We offer a wide range of allergen analyses. Analyses are performed by ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. For allergen analysis, we offer ELISA, PCR (quantitative), and LC-MS methods, among others. For many of the allergens listed below, we utilize various ELISA kits from r-Biopharm, Gold Standard Diagnostics, Neogen, and Morinaga, among others. PCR analyses are also available for many allergens, including quantitative ones. Ask us for advice on which method is best for your company-specific situation!
In addition, we also offer specific analyses for lactose (HPAEC-PAD) and sulfite (LC-MS and Monier-Williams).

Which allergens do we test?

• Gluten (R5 Mendez or competitive), but also the grains individually (wheat, barley, rye, oats)
• All legal nuts (hazelnut, almond, cashew, pistachio, walnut, pecan, macadamia or Brazil nut)
• Peanut
• Milk (total milk, casein or ß-lactoglobulin)
• Lactose
• Egg (egg white and lysozyme)
• Soybean
• Sesame
• Lupine
• Mustard (including related Brassica species)
• Fish
• Crusteaceans
• Molluscs
• Celery
• sulfite
• Allergens in other regions or emerging allergens: buckwheat, fenugreek, garlic, sunflower seeds, lentils, pea, broad bean, carrot, pine nuts, chestnut, coconut, apple, kiwi and peach.

What can be tested?

We analyze finished products and raw materials, rinse water, surface swabs (ELISA/PCR) for environmental analyses, or air (via drop plates, available on request).

Lead times and urgency

Different turnaround times apply to the various analyses:

• ELISA/PCR: 5-7 working days, expedited service available at an additional cost (3 working days or 1 working day)
• HPAEC-PAD (lactose): 5-7 working days, express service available for a surcharge (2 working days)
• LC MS and sulfites: up to 10 working days

Here's how it works (in 9 simple steps)

There is no need to create an account with us. The process is clear and simple. For samples submitted today, the result can be available as early as the next working day!

1. Request the prices, for this purpose please contact us us.
2. Take samples
   • For each product or rinse water, we would like to receive at least 200 grams of representative material.
   • Use suitable swabs, such as ELISA or PCR swabs (to be ordered separately). Swabs for microbiological examination are not suitable.
   • For validation of the cleaning: bring the product with you as a positive before the cleaning. control.
     This allows us to determine whether the product contains sufficient (measurable) allergen for meaningful validation.
     Send a product specification of this product by email or put it printed in the box. Based on this we calculate the correct dilution to be able to report a value (and not just larger than the upper limit of the measuring range).
3. Register samples online on our website
4. A confirmation will be sent by email. The printed confirmation email can be sent together with the samples to the address below.
5. We confirm receipt of the samples and coordinate further requirements, such as the desired reporting language (Dutch or English) and email addresses for receiving the analysis certificates. For quality reasons, we always take photos of the received samples. These can also be shown on the analysis certificate upon request.
6. We check the requested analysis, calculate any dilutions, and determine whether specific extractions are required.
   We will contact you regarding any specifics concerning the analysis. Adjustments will be made in consultation.
7. The analysis will be carried out within the agreed timeframe.
8. Reporting and advice. A clear analysis report is sent as a PDF by email. This includes the correct units and conversion factors, detection limits (LOD/LOQ), any cross-reactions, and practical interpretation advice (among others). VITAL and ED05).
9. The invoice will be sent by email and can be paid by bank transfer. For customers outside Europe, we request prepayment upon the first sample order. For subsequent orders, we send an invoice with a 30-day payment term.

Unsure about the correct analysis?
Contact us

Details of allergen analysis

Laboratory testing for allergens can be used for various applications, for example for validation of the cleaning, substantiation of exemption claims, such as with gluten-free of lactose-free products, research into cross-contamination in raw materials or processes, input for a quantitative risk assessment, troubleshooting for complaints or deviations and control of raw materials or cleaning.

In addition to laboratory analyses that yield numerical results, we also offer rapid tests. With the help of the reader the results of SENSIStrip rapid tests can also be quantified. This method therefore makes it possible to obtain reliable results directly on-site, without external laboratory analysis. The reader saves time and costs by measuring in ppm itself.

Influence of product and processes

Not every analysis method is fit for all products. The composition of a product can influence the analysis. For example, the presence of high levels of fat or polyphenols (spices or certain nuts) can affect the measurability of allergens. This can lead to false positive or false negative results. Fortunately, we can often prevent this with a specific extraction! We take this into account when assessing incoming samples.

Cross-reactions can also play a role. Certain proteins are very similar, such as those of mustard and rapeseed. False positive results may occur during an ELISA analysis if rapeseed is present in a product. Therefore, we use PCR analysis for products containing rapeseed (oil) as an ingredient or through cross-contamination. In cases of land contamination with rapeseed or other related weeds (rapeseed and canola (B. rapa and B. napus), wild mustard - Sinapis arvensis, wild radish - Raphanus raphanistrum), we even have very specific methods to distinguish between the different species.
In the event of unexpected results, we help search for an alternative analysis method. 

The influence of production processes can also severely disrupt measurability. Consider, for example, high heat and fermentation. Allergens are proteins and can change or be broken down under the influence of these processes, rendering them undetectable. In such cases, a PCR analysis is often a good alternative because DNA is usually more heat-stable than proteins. We will also look at possible alternative analytical methods together in these situations.

Dilutions

Analysis methods for allergens, such as ELISA or PCR, have a limited measurement range within which a concentration can be quantified. This range has a LOQ (lowest quantifiable quantity) and ULOQ (upper quantifiable quantity). For example, for gluten, the measurement range is 5-80 ppm. At concentrations above 80 ppm, > 80 ppm will be reported.
If a product to be tested contains more allergen, it is possible to use a dilution to expand the measurement range. For example, with 10x dilution, the measurement range of a gluten analysis becomes 50-800 ppm. All samples are stored for some time, so performing a re-analysis with dilution is always possible later. However, using the correct dilution immediately prevents unnecessary analyses and saves money and time.

When submitting samples, we therefore ask whether a higher concentration is expected. Providing an exact value can be difficult, but please indicate that the allergen is expected. Include a product specification or technical data sheet. positive controls (products containing the allergen): we calculate which dilution to use based on the type of ingredient and the dosage.

Interpretation of analysis results and conversion factors

Analysis results provide valuable information but always require careful interpretation. A measured value is not an absolute fact: sampling, matrix, analysis method, and detection limits play an important role. A 'non-detectable' result does not automatically mean that an allergen is completely absent. A false negative result may also occur. False positive results, as well as over- and underreporting, also occur.

In addition, many allergen analysis results must first be converted to the correct unit. When comparing a product analysis with a standard, it is important that the reporting unit is exactly the same as the standard/action limit. For a number expressed as ppm or mg/kg, for example, mg allergen product or mg allergen protein intended. An action limit based on the VITAL or Dutch ED05 reference doses are stated in mg total protein of an allergen/kg product. The conversion factor is always stated on our analysis reports if the kit manufacturer uses a different unit. 

There may also be a difference in the protein composition of the ingredient causing cross-contamination compared to the unit in the kit. For instance, ELISA total milk kits are based on the standard protein ratio of 80% casein and 10% β-lactoglobulin (BLG). However, if cross-contamination occurs with a whey product containing primarily BLG and virtually no casein, the reported values ​​using a total milk kit will be much too high. Similarly, with egg and soy, many ingredients are present where the protein composition deviates from the kit. This necessitates careful assessment and conversion of the reported value.

For gluten analyses, care must be taken to convert the kit unit (ppm gliadin) to gluten (x2). We do this as standard to prevent misinterpretations.

Why choose Allergenen Consultancy?

• Specialized knowledge.
• Right method, right matrix: for each sample, we assess the best analytical method (ELISA, PCR, LC-MS, or an alternative method).
• Only meaningful analyses: we assess whether or not the analysis is meaningful, so that unnecessary analyses (and therefore costs) are avoided.
• Quality assured: validated methods in an accredited laboratory. 
• Applying dilution to samples with high expected values ​​prevents unnecessary additional analysis or values ​​falling outside the measurement range.
• Interpretation included. We provide explanation and advice regarding reporting, including a comparison with VITAL and ED05 reference doses.
• Broad analysis package: from routine ELISAs to in-depth LC-MS screenings.
• Practical and fast: no need to create an account, just start submitting samples immediately.

We assist in translating analysis results into a substantiated risk assessment. In doing so, we support well-considered decisions regarding control measures and communication within the supply chain or on the label (PAL).

Need advice on allergen analyses?
Contact us for expert advice, a quotation, or a customized analysis plan.

Register samples
for analyses