Strengthening Food Safety: The Role of Allergen Testing in Safe Food Production

In the food industry, improving product safety is a vital step, especially as food allergies become increasingly common worldwide. Undeclared allergens and ingredients were the single biggest cause of food recalls in 2024, accounting for 34% of all recalls. (FSNS, 2025) 

Accidental allergen contamination in food manufacturing, whether from cross-contact or mislabeling, can pose significant risks to consumers' health.  
 
To safeguard consumers and meet regulatory standards, allergen testing  in the food safety industry has become essential. By accurately detecting and quantifying allergens in food products, manufacturers can uphold safety standards, maintain regulatory compliance, and reinforce consumer trust in their products. 

Source: Food and Drug Administration

Why Allergen Testing Matters in Food Manufacturing 

1. Protects Consumers  
   Food allergen testing is the foundation of effective allergen control programs. By clearly labeling their products with a list of ingredients, food manufacturers can help protect those with food allergies. Testing, along with a robust allergen control program, helps confirm that an unlabeled, potentially dangerous ingredient did not make its way into a food product.
   
   
2. Protects Brand Reputation  
   Allergen testing verifies that allergens in a facility are being effectively controlled. Testing clean-in-place (CIP) systems, final products, and equipment surfaces helps identify potential cross-contact and confirm cleanliness before production changeovers, reducing the risk of costly recalls and reputational damage.
   
   
3. Simplifies Labeling
   Testing can support precautionary labeling decisions. For example, some companies use advisory labels like “may contain peanuts.”  Through targeted allergen testing, manufacturers can better assess risk and potentially reduce unnecessary precautionary labels, improving clarity for consumers.
   
   
4. Improves Operational Efficiency  
   For manufacturers that use specific cleaning products to clean equipment between productions, testing can help determine how much cleaning solution is necessary to achieve the removal of food allergens. Allergen testing can help eliminate guesswork and save the final product from going to waste or from having to be reworked.
   
   
5. Help Ensure Regulatory Compliance  
   Regulatory bodies have set strict guidelines for allergen labeling to help protect individuals with food allergies. These regulations mandate that food manufacturers clearly list common allergens on product labels, allowing consumers to make informed choices and avoid potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. 

• • • FDA (United States): The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires clear identification of the nine major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame). The FDA also enforces cross-contact prevention within facilities. 
    • CFIA (Canada): The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) enforces similar allergen labeling requirements and adds mustard, celery, and sulfites as priority allergens. Manufacturers must ensure ingredient transparency and effective allergen control plans. 

Consistent allergen testing in the food industry supports both regulatory compliance and consumer protection. 
 

Allergen Testing Methods in the Food Industry 

Qualitative Allergen Testing – Lateral Flow Tests 

Lateral flow tests  use immunoassay technology, where antibodies on the strip bind to target allergenic proteins. If the allergen is present, a colored line appears, providing a simple yes/no result at or above a set threshold. 

Lateral flow test benefits: 

• Ideal for quick spot checks and routine monitoring on the production floor 
• Allow operators to verify surfaces or rinses are free of specific allergens before resuming production 
• Valuable for facilities where cross-contact monitoring is important but precise quantification isn’t required 
  
  

Quantitative Allergen Testing – ELISA Tests 

ELISA (Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) testing  measures the concentration of specific allergenic proteins in a sample. Antibodies bind to the target allergen, and the resulting color change indicates the allergen level. 

Benefits of ELISA tests: 

• Provide precise measurements to validate equipment or production line cleanliness 
• Commonly used in final product testing to verify allergen-free claims 
• Typically performed in a centralized quality control lab due to setup and technical requirements 

Together, ELISA and lateral flow tests form the backbone of allergen testing in food industry programs by balancing accuracy, speed, and operational practicality. 

To get more expert advice, you can get a free consultation today. 

How to Establish a Robust Allergen Testing Process 

Setting up a strong allergen testing  program requires a structured, risk-based approach to protect food safety and maintain compliance. 

Here are some key steps for establishing allergen testing procedures: 

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify potential allergen hazards and critical control points (CCPs) in your production flow. 
2. Define Critical Control Points (CCPs): Determine key process stages, such as ingredient receiving, mixing, and packaging, where allergen testing should occur.
3. Select Testing Methods: Choose between  ELISA or lateral flow, based on your allergen targets, testing frequency, and operational setup. 
4. Develop Sampling Protocols: Establish consistent procedures for sample collection, storage, and frequency of testing.
5. Train Staff: Provide ongoing training in allergen control, testing accuracy, and interpretation of results.
6. Implement Cleaning Verification: Verify post-cleaning effectiveness through allergen swabs and rinse water testing.
7. Maintain Documentation: Keep comprehensive records of test results, corrective actions, and validations for audit readiness.
8. Create Corrective Action Plans: Define clear steps in case of contamination or test failures, including batch holds, rework, or recalls.
9. Monitor and Review Regularly: Schedule audits to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with new food safety regulations. 

How to Take the Next Step Toward Stronger Allergen Control 

Allergen testing in the food industry is essential for preventing cross-contact, protecting consumers, and maintaining brand integrity.  

With food allergies on the rise, accurate methods like ELISA and lateral flow help ensure products meet regulatory standards and reduce the risk of allergen exposure.  

Combined with staff training and regulatory compliance, a strong testing program reinforces consumer trust and demonstrates a commitment to safety. 

Ready to strengthen your allergen testing program? Learn more about Neogen’s comprehensive allergen testing solutions designed to help food manufacturers ensure safety and compliance at every step. 

Resources 

• Neogen Food Allergen Handbook 
• Food Allergy Research & Education - https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/what-food-allergy 
• FARRP - www.farrp.org 
• FDA - https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-issues-guidances-food-allergen-labeling-requirements. 
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) - https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels 
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - https://fsns.com/food-recalls-in-2024-revealing-the-statistics/ 

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