November has seen Hygiena launch not one, but two new tests to their Alertox® Sticks range of rapid tests. Alertox Sticks Peanut and Alertox Sticks Walnut join their line of rapid tests for allergen detection, designed for the food processing industry to support allergen control programs and labelling requirements.

Alertox Sticks represents a cost-effective and rapid solution for allergen detection as the procedure only takes a few minutes and there is no equipment required as all additional elements are included in the test packs.

Alertox Sticks Peanut

Allergic reactions to peanut can range from mild irritation to life-threatening conditions, and peanut residue can be found in a wide variety of foods. Therefore, preventing cross-contamination during food processing is vitally important as it gives consumers reassurance of food quality and safety.

Hygiena’s new and improved peanut allergen test provides a simple and effective way to monitor the risk from peanut residue. This lateral flow device has high sensitivity with a wide dynamic range of detection from 1 to 10,000 ppm of peanut protein in food samples and no interference from other food components. It is validated for products, liquids and surface analysis.

The test specifically identifies peanut antigen, and does not detect the antigens of cereals, seeds, milk, cocoa, other legumes or tree nuts including pecan, walnut, hazelnut, almond, macadamia, pistachio, cashew, brazil nut, chestnut, pine nut and coconut.

It is validated in a wide range of products such as meat, fish, sausage, pate, bread, cookies, cakes, flours, milk powder, spices and stainless steel surfaces. 

Alertox Sticks Walnut

This lateral flow strip has a limit of detection of 2ppm of walnut protein in food samples. It is also validated of surfaces for cleaning verification. Using monoclonal antibodies to detect allergenic protein in walnut (Juglans regia), the test does not cross-react with the closely related tree nut pecan (Carya illinoinensis), or other allergens.

It is validated in a wide range of products such as protein bars, bread, dairy products, bakery products, cheese and stainless steel.

The test can be used for incoming ingredients, finished products or surfaces. It is validated in a wide range of products such as protein bars, bread, dairy products, bakery products, cheese and stainless steel.

With the addition of peanut and walnut, Hygiena now offers a total of 12 allergen tests in our AlerTox Sticks portfolio, each validated for product, surface, and liquid samples. Tests include includes milk (casein and beta-lactoglobulin separately or combined), egg, fish, crustacean, soy, mustard seed, almond, and hazelnut.

How Can We Help?

At Gem Scientific, we understand that allergen testing is a rigorous and multipronged methodology that requires diligent and well thought out management plans.

We are proud to provide a personal service that’s tailored entirely around your business. Our team work with companies to understand their unique requirements, then offer bespoke solutions to suit you.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you work towards your allergen testing goals:

• 01924 444577
• hello@gemscientific.co.uk
• LiveChat (available during business hours)