Reading Scientific Services has succeeded in developing new tests for pine nut and chestnut, which should help food companies in removing these potential allergens from their products
Both pine nut and chestnut are known to be allergens for a significant number of people.
Pine nuts (or pine kernels) are actually seeds, rather than nuts, but those people who are allergic to nuts are very likely to be allergic to pine nuts too.
Chestnuts are similar to a wide range of other foods, such as coconut, kiwi and mango, which contain allergens similar to those found in latex.
People with a known allergic response to latex frequently exhibit the same reaction to chestnut and these other foods.
RSSL says it is now established as the UK's leading testing laboratory for allergens, applying protein and DNA methods to the detection of trace amounts of these potentially harmful ingredients.
In the case of pine nuts and chestnuts, RSSL's new validated methods are based on detecting DNA specific to each species, and the sensitivity of both tests is 100 parts per million.
RSSL also offers consultancy services in free-from production, and training in the HACCP principles that must be applied to prevent the risk of cross contamination.
The company stresses that testing alone is not a route to guaranteeing that products are free from allergens, but it does play a role in HACCP verification and in investigating customer complaints.
Indeed, RSSL's allergen testing laboratory is on call 24/7 as part of RSSL Emergency Response Service.
