Allergen assay by ELISA (peanut, celery, crustaceans, oats, wheat, spelt, kamut and their hybridized strains, barley, rye, nuts, milk, lupin, egg, fish, molluscs, mustard, sesame, soy, sulfites)

Allergen quantification using the ELISA method is essential for food safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection. Food allergens represent a major challenge for manufacturers due to the health risks associated with allergic reactions and strict labeling requirements.

This analysis detects and quantifies numerous major allergens, such as peanuts, celery, crustaceans, gluten-containing cereals (wheat, oats, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and their hybridized strains), tree nuts, milk, lupin, eggs, fish, mollusks, mustard, sesame, soy, and sulfites. It is applicable to food products, raw materials, ingredients, nutraceutical supplements, and plant-based or animal-feed matrices.

Regulatory issues and consumer safety

European regulations mandate the identification and labeling of 14 major allergens in food products. The uncontrolled presence of an allergen can lead to serious risks for allergic individuals, as well as product recalls, regulatory penalties, and damage to companies' brand image.

The ELISA assay of allergens makes it possible to verify the conformity of products to labeling requirements, to control the risks of cross-contamination and to secure manufacturing processes.

Principle of the ELISA method

The ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method is based on a specific immunological reaction between a targeted allergen and an antibody. This interaction is then revealed by an enzymatic reaction generating a measurable signal, proportional to the amount of allergen present in the sample.

ELISA is a reference method for allergen analysis due to its specificity, sensitivity, and robustness. It allows the detection of allergens at very low concentrations, compatible with regulatory thresholds and industrial requirements.

Allergens analyzed

This analysis covers a wide range of food allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. It also allows for the detection of gluten-containing cereals, such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, and kamut, as well as their hybridized strains.

Other major allergens, such as celery, mustard, sesame, soy, lupin and sulfites, can also be analyzed as needed.

Matrices and samples concerned

Allergen quantification by ELISA is applicable to a wide variety of matrices. It can be performed on finished products, raw materials, ingredients, powders, liquids, plant extracts, food supplements and animal feed.

It is also used for the control of surfaces, rinsing water or production lines as part of the control of cross-contamination.

Each type of matrix undergoes specific preparation to ensure optimal allergen extraction and reliable quantification.

Industrial applications

This analysis is widely used in the food industry for quality control, validation of cleaning procedures, management of cross-contamination risks and verification of labeling compliance.

In the nutraceutical and plant sector, allergen testing helps to ensure the safety of formulations, particularly when ingredients of plant or cereal origin are used.

In animal nutrition, this analysis also makes it possible to control the presence of allergens that may have an impact on certain sectors or on the safety of derived products.

Measured parameters and results

ELISA analysis determines the presence or absence of a targeted allergen, as well as its concentration in the analyzed sample. Results are expressed in units appropriate to the allergen and the method used, allowing for clear interpretation with regard to regulatory requirements or internal thresholds defined by the manufacturer.

These results constitute a key element of quality files and regulatory compliance processes.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab relies on a rigorously selected network of partner laboratories specializing in food allergen analysis. The majority of these laboratories are certified and/or accredited according to recognized standards such as ISO 17025 and COFRAC.

Each request is analyzed by the YesWeLab scientific team to select the most suitable ELISA method, based on the targeted allergen, matrix, and analytical objectives. The YesWeLab digital platform enables centralized analysis management, optimized sample tracking, and fast, secure access to results.

Since 2020, many manufacturers, distributors and research offices have trusted YesWeLab to manage their allergen analyses and ensure the safety of their products.

Other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

Allergen testing by ELISA can be complemented by other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue to strengthen food safety control.

Microbiological analyses allow for the control of the sanitary quality of products.

Analyses of chemical contaminants (pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals) complement the risk assessment.

Nutritional analyses allow us to characterize the composition of food and nutraceutical products.

Cleaning and validation tests of production lines can be combined with allergen analyses for overall control of industrial processes.

For any quote request or to discuss your specific needs for allergen assay by ELISA, contact the YesWeLab team now.