What does food allergen testing cover?

Food allergen testing supports product safety, regulatory compliance, and accurate labelling by detecting major allergens, gluten, and region-specific emerging allergens. It also helps identify cross-contamination risks, verify allergen-free claims, assess additives and processing aids for allergenic components, and validate cleaning procedures through environmental monitoring of equipment and production areas.

Concerns in the food industry

Allergen testing plays a critical role in protecting consumer safety, ensuring compliance with allergen labelling regulations, and preventing cross-contamination throughout the production process. It also helps support accurate product labelling, protect brand reputation, and substantiate allergen-free or "free-from" claims.

Concerns in other industries

Beyond food manufacturing, allergen management is essential in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food service, packaging, and supply chains. Effective testing helps identify undeclared allergens, minimise cross-contact risks, improve supplier control, and safeguard consumers with food allergies.

Advanced testing methods for food allergens

Our laboratories employ a range of advanced analytical techniques to detect, identify, and quantify allergens across diverse food matrices. The most appropriate method is selected based on the allergen, product type, and required sensitivity.

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): Sensitive detection of specific allergens such as peanuts, milk, soy, and egg proteins
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): DNA-based analysis for identifying allergenic ingredients and verifying ingredient authenticity
• Mass spectrometry (MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): Advanced techniques for allergen identification and quantification in complex food matrices
• Rapid screening tools: Lateral flow devices (LFDs), biosensors, and environmental swabbing support real-time allergen monitoring and cleaning verification

Core allergen testing services

We provide comprehensive allergen testing for raw materials, processed foods, beverages, bakery products, confectionery, and ready-to-eat meals.

• Detection of major allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame
• Testing for emerging allergens such as mustard, celery, lupin, and sulphites in line with regional requirements
• Analysis performed using accredited methods in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories
• Rapid turnaround times, including expedited testing for urgent requirements

Allergen detection and quantification

Our testing solutions help manufacturers verify allergen declarations, support product claims, and minimise consumer risk.

• Quantification of gluten to support "gluten-free" claims
• Multi-allergen screening for complex food matrices
• Detection and quantification of major and emerging allergens
• Assessment of potential cross-reactivity to support accurate labelling and risk management

Cross-contamination and cleaning validation

• Environmental monitoring of surfaces, equipment, and rinse water for allergen residues
• Validation of cleaning and sanitation procedures to minimise cross-contamination risks
• Production line monitoring to support allergen-free manufacturing

Advantages of our allergen testing services

• Accuracy: Delivers reliable results with high sensitivity and specificity
• Speed: Rapid turnaround supports production and regulatory timelines
• Compliance: Meets global allergen regulations, facilitating market access
• Customisation: Adapts testing to specific products and production needs
• Trust: Enhances consumer confidence through accurate allergen declarations
• Support: Provides expert consultation for allergen management and regulatory compliance