Allergens - GMOs

Molecular-biological and immunological methods are becoming increasingly important in the analysis of food and feed. Using cutting edge equipment and reliable methods, the well-trained staff of Q&Q Analysis is able to detect allergens and genetically modified organisms on a variety of food and feed substrates.

Molecular analyzes

Genetically modified raw materials, as well as foods produced based on them,  are subject to a strict regime, as they must meet certain legal requirements. Importers and sellers are required to label foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Q&Q Analysis ensures qualitative and quantitative determination of GMOs in foods using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology.

The following can be detected:

• Detection of CaMV 35S & NOS terminator
• CTP2-CP4EPSPS Detection (ROUNDUP READY II)
• Quantification of the CaMV 35S promoter
• ROUNDUP READY quantification (GTS-40-3-2)
• Soy DNA detection

Allergens testing

Most food allergens are proteins found in food which can trigger an immune response in allergic individuals when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a protein as harmful. Recent studies found that 1-5% of the total population in Europe has clinically proven allergy to one or more of the following:

1. Cereals containing  gluten,
2. Crustaceans  and  products  there of
3. Eggs and  products  thereof
4. Fish and  products  thereof
5. Peanuts  and  products  thereof
6. Soybeans  and  products  thereof, 
7. Milk and  products  thereof  (including  lactose), 
8. Nuts, namely:  almonds,  hazelnuts,  walnuts,  cashews,  pecan  nuts,  Brazil  nuts,   pistachio   nuts,  macadamia  or  Queensland  nuts,   and   products   thereof
9. Celery and  products  thereof
10. Mustard and  products  thereof
11. Sesame seeds  and  products  thereof
12. Sulphur dioxide  and  sulphites  at  concentrations  of  more  than  10  mg/kg  or  10  mg/litre 
13. Lupin and  products  thereof
14. Molluscs and  products  thereof.

At the end of 2014, European Food Information for Consumers Regulations (EU FIC) came into effect that required food producers to make changes to labeling on both pre-packed and loosely sold food to emphasize 14 allergens when used as ingredients.

Q&Q Analysis can help you to control and manage allergens within your manufacturing facilities, with immunological techniques with low detection limit.