Category Research project
  • Analytik

Establishment and validation of analytical methods for the detailed analysis of allergen profiles in foodstuffs and for the individual characterisation of its allergenic effect in patients

Project status
Completed
Project start
Sept 2020
Project end
Feb 2024
Acronym
Allergen-Pro
Department
Lebensmittelsicherheit

Description and Objective

Triggered by certain foods, a certain proportion of the population (1-3% of adults and 4-6% of children) suffer from allergic symptoms, which can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). The most common food allergens include hen's egg and peanut. The role of insects as a potential new food allergen is currently being discussed. The first insects are also on the market in Germany. Under the European Novel Foods Regulation (EU) No. 2015/2283, six different insect product categories or products are currently undergoing the Europe-wide harmonised application procedure for approval as food (Table 1). In addition, the house fly (Musca domestica) and a grill species (Gryllus assimilis) are also authorised for animal feed (Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/893). As unintentional mixing cannot be ruled out, detection methods are also being developed for these insect species.

Result

In the search for alternative protein sources for human consumption, various insect species are also being authorised throughout the EU. However, a small proportion of the population, who are allergic to seafood and house dust mites, unknowingly have the potential for allergic cross-reactions when eating insects. The aim of the joint project ‘Allergen-Pro’ was to improve the detection of insects in food. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment), in cooperation with the Charité, the companies Signatope, the Natural and Medical Sciences Institute (NMI), Nestlé and the Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences, has developed and standardised robust and reliable detection methods for insects in food so that both food control and manufacturers' own controls can identify the presence of undeclared insect components and, if necessary, remove them from the market. In order to improve safety for allergy sufferers and food manufacturers, the project also aimed to develop a new type of detection system for potential allergens in food before they can enter the market.
Type of project

Third-party funded project

Research focus

Gesundheit von Mensch, Tier und Umwelt (One Health)

Organisational units and partners

Lead specialist group: Speziesidentifizierung in Lebens- und Futtermitteln (55)
Contact persons: Hermann Broll
External partner: Signatope GmbH, Hot Screen GmbH, Nestlé Research Cente, Hochschule Albstadt Sigmaringen, Naturwissenschaftliches und Medizinisches Institut an der Universität Tübingen (NMI), Klinik für Pädiatrie m.S. Pneumologie, Immunologie und Intensivmedizin

Funding body and grant number

Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft
281A304A18

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