Food News

AGROLAB LUFA announces that a new ELISA test for the detection of pecan nut has been successfully launched, validated and accredited.

The pecan nut looks a little like a walnut, is slightly softer to bite and tastes sweeter. Originally, the nuts come from North America. They contain valuable protein, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals and numerous vitamins, including vitamin E - an important antioxidant.

For most people, the tasty nuts - pure or in processed form - are a recommendable component of a wholesome and healthy diet.

For some people, however, eating pecans can lead to health problems. Those who are allergic to the protein contained in the nuts will strictly avoid them. If the allergic person's immune system reacts to the nut protein, typical reactions occur, such as itching, skin rash, vomiting and even shortness of breath and collapse.

For this reason, products containing pecans must be labelled accordingly in Europe and carry a warning label, as is known from other nuts.

Due to carry-over, wrong or missing declaration, food can contain the allergen unnoticed.

Regular testing for allergens can minimise the risk.

We offer an immunological procedure (so-called ELISA method) with which the pecan allergen can be reliably detected qualitatively and also quantitatively. The test is very sensitive and is also suitable for surface control (qualitative) after a swab test, wipe test and in rinse water samples.

YOUR PLUS: AGROLAB offers a comprehensive analysis portfolio for the detection of food allergens. The new pecan ELISA has a detection sensitivity of 2 ppm (2 mg/kg) and has cross-sensitivities to walnut (botanically related), less to hazelnut, macadamia nut and carrot.

Author: Dr. Frank Mörsberger