The incidence of allergic diseases has been increasing since the 1970s. This trend is especially evident in countries with a Western lifestyle. Genetic factors, but also changes in living conditions and various environmental influences increase the risk of developing an allergy.

In order to minimize allergic reactions, it is mandatory to label the 14 most common triggers of allergies and intolerances (such as nuts, cereals containing gluten, eggs, fish and molluscs). Within the European Union, the obligation to label allergens in food is regulated by the Food Information Regulation (FIR).

ALLERGY TO NUTS

According to the Robert Koch Institute, more than 20% of children and over 30% of adults develop at least one allergy during their lifetime. Allergies to various tree nuts are among the most common food allergies, affecting appromimately 1.4% of the European population. In case of a tree nut allergy, the immune system reacts hypersensitively to certain proteins contained in tree nuts. The most common allergies to tree nuts are triggered by the following species: hazelnut, walnut, peanut, cashew, almond, pistachio, pecan, Brazil nut and macadamia.

The symptoms of a tree nut allergy are divers – with symptoms ranging from mild symptoms such as sneezing, redness and itching, to severe symptoms like breathing difficulties or anaphylactic shock. In extreme cases, these symptoms can be life-threatening.

DETECTION OF NUTS

Tree nuts are used in a variety of foods, including baked goods, snacks, confectionery, bread and as an ingredient in various dishes. In addition to the food industry, nuts are also used in agriculture, cosmetics and the pharmaceutical industry. In order to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals with food allergies, it is imperative to identify allergens at an early stage.

To guarantee product safety and to comply with the labeling requirements for products containing nuts on the list of allergens, CONGEN has developed a reliable real-time PCR test according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011.

This test has been developed for the precise detection of DNA sequences of various nut species, including almond, cashew, pistachio, peanut, hazelnut, walnut, pecan, Brazil nut and macadamia.

The relevant documents for the SureFood® ALLERGEN 4plex EU NUTS Kit can be downloaded here.