Allergen testing by PCR (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 by PCR is an advanced molecular analysis used to detect the presence of food allergens by identifying their specific DNA. This method is a complementary or confirmatory approach to ELISA, particularly relevant for complex or highly processed matrices, or when allergenic proteins are degraded.

PCR is widely used in the human food, nutraceutical, animal nutrition and plant sectors to secure products, control cross-contamination risks and ensure regulatory compliance with allergen labeling.

Regulatory issues and food safety

European regulations mandate the identification and labeling of 14 major food allergens. Insufficient or inappropriate detection can lead to significant health risks for allergic consumers, as well as product recalls, regulatory penalties, and a loss of market confidence.

PCR-based allergen quantification strengthens allergen control strategies, particularly when conventional immunological methods reach their limits.

Principle of the PCR method applied to allergens

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences. When applied to allergen analysis, it aims to detect the DNA characteristic of the allergenic ingredient, independently of the state of the proteins.

This approach is particularly useful when allergenic proteins have been partially or totally denatured by thermal, enzymatic or mechanical processes, making their detection by ELISA less reliable.

PCR thus allows for a very sensitive and specific detection of traces of allergens, even at low levels.

Targeted allergens

PCR allergen testing allows the detection of a wide range of major food allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

The method also allows 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 and lupin, can also be analyzed as needed.

Matrices and samples concerned

PCR assay is applicable to a wide variety of matrices, including finished food products, raw materials, ingredients, food supplements, plant extracts and animal feed.

It is particularly suited to complex or highly processed matrices, such as cooked, fermented, extruded or hydrolyzed products, for which the detection of allergenic proteins may be limited.

PCR can also be used for the control of surfaces, rinsing water or production lines, as part of the control of cross-contamination.

Industrial applications

This analysis is widely used in the food industry for quality control, validation of cleaning procedures, management of cross-contamination risks and securing multi-allergen production chains.

In the nutraceutical and plant sector, PCR makes it possible to verify the absence of undeclared allergens in complex formulations or those derived from various plant raw materials.

In animal nutrition, it can also be used to control the presence of allergens that may impact certain sectors or derived products.

Results and interpretation

PCR results determine the presence or absence of a targeted allergen by detecting its DNA. Depending on the protocol used, the analysis can be qualitative or semi-quantitative.

The results must be interpreted in the context of the analyzed matrix and regulatory requirements, in addition to other analytical methods if necessary.

Complementarity of PCR and ELISA

PCR and ELISA are complementary methods. ELISA targets allergenic proteins, while PCR detects DNA. By combining these two approaches, manufacturers have a robust analytical strategy to cover a wide range of matrices and risk situations.

YesWeLab Expertise

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

Each request is analyzed by the YesWeLab scientific team to determine the most suitable method, the allergens to target, and the most relevant analytical strategy. Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab enables centralized management of analyses, optimized sample tracking, and rapid and 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

PCR allergen testing can be complemented by other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue to strengthen overall food safety control.

The ELISA assay for allergens allows for the direct quantification of allergenic proteins.

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

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

tests of cleaning and production lines ensure overall control of industrial processes.

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