Miniaturization of analysis for a better control of allergens in the food industry
Problem
The presence of undeclared allergenic ingredients or the presence of traces of allergens due to unintentional contamination during food processing poses a great health risk to sensitized individuals. Therefore, fast, and reliable analytical methods are required to detect and identify allergenic ingredients in food products.
Solution
The use of miniaturized devices for DNA analysis can contribute to a better control along the food value chain, due to the possibility to perform sophisticated analysis outside the laboratory, moreover, the use of DNA enables the specific detection of problematic ingredients with a high level of specificity and sensitivity.
Benefits
The use of DNA-based miniaturized devices for the detection of allergenic ingredients allows for:
- A highly sensitive detection of traces of allergenic ingredients in the different points of the food value chain.
- Decentralized analysis, enabling to bring the laboratory to the different points of the food value chain providing an on-site analysis.
- Faster implementation of recalls and/or corrective measures in case a positive result is detected in any point of the food value chain.
- A very specific detection of the ingredient(s) responsible for allergenic reactions in sensitized individuals.
- Possibility of the integration of the devices with connectivity and data collection to perform predictive analysis of the productive process.
Practical recommendations
- Identify the main problematic allergenic ingredients in your product to select the targets of analysis and related kits.
- Evaluate possible suppliers and Critical Control Points (CCPs) on the production plant for possible unintentional contamination to establish a good monitoring plan.
- Perform regular controls on both suppliers and Critical Control Points (CCPs).
Additional information
Authors:
Carla Teixeira1,2, Andrey Ipatov1, Uxia Rodríguez2, Jorge Barros-Velázquez2, Marta Prado2
Affiliation:
- Food Quality and Safety Research Group International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-310 Braga, Portugal,
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Campus Terra. University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain
Transparency solutions for transforming the food system
Ongoing | 2022-2026
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Spain, France, Finland, Poland, United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia