Allergen tests in lecithin
Detected peanut traces in soy lecithin occur more frequently
June 2022. Due to the war in Ukraine, sourcing of raw materials has shifted. For example, food companies are faced with a shortage in sourcing of lecithin. Due to new areas of origin, it is necessary to carefully check the entry of possible allergens. In recent weeks, there has been a rising number of cases of detected peanut traces in soy lecithin. In our laboratory, we offer appropriate analytical methods.
Peanut as an allergen
Many children and adults are allergic to peanuts. Peanuts are a very serious allergen and must therefore be declared on food packaging in accordance with the respective legislation worldwide – if it is included as an ingredient. Even small traces can be problematic for allergic consumers, which is why many food companies also have warnings about possible traces on their product labels.
Positively tested products
In the European Rapid Alert System RASFF, the first reports of peanut found in soy lecithin have been published, e.g. from India. This development coincides with the current findings from our laboratory. Since March 2022, soy lecithin samples have increasingly been analysed for traces of peanuts. These traces can be detected in many raw material samples. In some cases, the peanut content detected is so high that a possible risk to allergic consumers must also be assumed in the final product.
Our offer for reliable allergen detection
Our allergen laboratory offers detection of raw materials (e.g. lecithin) and final products (e.g. chocolate) by quantitative ELISA and qualitative PCR under DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Both tests, ELISA and PCR, have a very robust extraction method, so that even difficult or highly processed food matrices can be analysed.
Our test recommendation
We recommend protein detection by ELISA for testing lecithin samples for peanut allergen. For confirmation of unexpected or controversial results, DNA detection by PCR is helpful as a second, independent method. Furthermore, the PCR method is useful when testing samples that should not be tested with peanut ELISA, e.g. due to unwanted cross-reactions.
Would you like advice on the current situation?
Your personal account manager will be happy to assist you in selecting suitable testing strategies for your raw materials and final products. If you have any questions about allergen analysis, you are also welcome to contact our expert Dr Sandra Kerbach. We look forward to your enquiry.
