Why Food Allergen Analysis sometimes fail? Building consensus & trust around food allergen analytics
Task Force Information
Objectives
The Food Allergen Analytics Task Force aims to harmonise food allergen analysis by identifying, consolidating, and developing best practices. Its goals are also to effectively communicate and educate interested stakeholders about these derived best practices.
Task Force Members
| Ross Yarham - Chair | InBio | UK |
| Max Wolf | Neogen | US |
| Masayoshi Tomiki | Morinaga | JP |
| Miguel Arévalo | Hygiena | ES |
| Bert Popping - Scientific Advisor | FOCOS | DE |
| Federica Cattapan | Mérieux NutriSciences | IT |
Contact Information
For more detailed information, please contact Geraldine Borja at gborja@ilsieurope.be
Activity Overview
Ongoing Activities
- Harmonisation of Analytical Methods for Food Allergen Detection, Reference Materials and Quality Control Materials
The Expert Group will seek to to create a Best Practice Guidance Document to harmonize analytical methods for detecting food allergens and gluten, including those from alternative proteins. It will include stakeholder workshops and webinars, provide recommendations on method performance criteria, and develop reference and quality control materials. A literature review will evaluate material availability, while enhancing communication between businesses, and standardization bodies.
The Task Force is also planning to expand its scope with the following activities:
- Developing innovative solutions for food allergen analysis by conducting gap analysis through engagement with stakeholders.
- Implement allergen control and incident-related testing to ensure safety and compliance.
- Monitor and address emerging food allergens through research and updated testing methods
Start: Q2 2025 - End: Q4 2026
In the Pipeline
- Food allergen analysis
The activity will conduct gap analysis through engagement with stakeholders.
- Allergen control and incident-related testing t
The activity will aim to ensure safety and compliance.
- Emerging food allergens
The group will focus on updated testing methods.
Expert Groups
Harmonisation of Analytical Methods for Food Allergen Detection, Reference Materials and Quality Control Materials
Objectives
The project aims to establish method performance criteria to ensure reliable testing and improve assay performance. It will also provide guidance on selecting appropriate methods for allergen and gluten detection, helping stakeholders make informed decisions about which approaches to use. Additionally, the project seeks to enhance communication among stakeholders in the field, fostering collaboration and information-sharing.
Output
Develop a Best Practice Guidance Document
| Clare Mills - Chair | University of Surrey | UK |
| Jasmine Lacis-Lee - Vice-Chair | Mérieux NutriSciences | AU |
| Bert Popping | FOCOS | DE |
| Simon Flanagan | Mondelez | UK |
| Patrick O'Mahony | Food Safety Authority of Ireland | IE |
| Michael Walker | Queen's University Belfast | UK |
| Daniela Bartsch | Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe | DE |
| Hiroshi Akiyama | Hoshi University | JP |
| Piotr Robouch | European Commission | BE |
| Max Wolf | Neogen | US |
| Masayoshi Tomiki | Morinaga | JP |
| Federica Cattapan | Mérieux NutriSciences | IT |
| Maria Oliver | InBio | UK |
| Miguel Arévalo | Hygiena | ES |
| Max Bermingham | InBio | UK |
| Isabel Taveniers | ILVO | BE |
| Marc de Loose | ILVO | BE |
| Linda Monaci | National Research Council of Italy (CNR) | IT |
