Food Allergen Testing

The presence of undeclared allergens in food is a leading cause of product recalls and withdrawals of food from the market.

Although food allergy only occurs in around 10% of infants, 4-8% of children, and about 2% of adults in Australia and New Zealand, the health implications can be dramatic and immediate.

(Reference: ASCIA).

Food Allergens are proteins in food that cause abnormal immune responses, health implications of food allergens can be serious. In Australia, it is mandatory under the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code to label your products to identify food allergens.

Food allergen testing services for the Australian food Industry

To help manufacturers verify allergen control programs and meet customer and regulatory requirements, Mérieux Nutrisciences AQ provides qualitative and/or quantitative testing services for all food matrices, process samples, product samples, raw materials, finished products and environmental swabs. Our company utilises a range of technologies, including ELISA testing. Additionally, LC-MS-MS and PCR technologies are available for some allergens.

To meet food allergen labelling requirements in different markets, Mérieux Nutrisciences AQ provides food testing services. Some of the most commonly found undeclared allergens are gluten, milk, eggs, soybeans, sesame, fish, peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish/crustaceans. Our experts offer experience and insight into the global and regional regulations concerning all allergens in food products.

Allergens testing in our food safety laboratory

Analytical testing is essential in monitoring, verifying, and validating your food safety and quality programs. Validation of processes like cleaning and product changeover procedures should include environmental samples (e.g. rinsing water, swab), as well as product testing. Swabs can be used to monitor the presence of allergens on product contact surfaces within the production plant.

Our experts can also support you with additional services to better control your allergen risk:

Mérieux Nutrisciences AQ is an accredited food testing laboratory recognised worldwide. Our experienced scientific team can assist Australian businesses through comprehensive food allergen testing services.