The Importance of Food Allergen Testing
Allergens are proteins, antibodies, or other substances that can cause a allergic reaction in someone who is sensitive to them. Some allergens are found in food, while others may be produced by the body as a response to something else.
Food allergy can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from minor skin rashes to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. In some cases, allergies may be caused by one particular allergen and will only manifest when that allergen is present in a food. Other cases may involve multiple allergens, and even exposure to small amounts of an allergen may produce an allergic reaction.
Food allergy testing is done by a laboratory. Allergen-free foods are often tested to see if they trigger an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to certain proteins found in those foods. People with food allergies may also be tested for antibodies to allergens. If a person has positive results for both tests, it may be safe to eat some of the allergen-containing foods that they are sensitive to.
Food allergy testing is an important way to protect people with food allergies from developing serious health problems related to their allergies. By knowing which foods are causing allergic reactions, individuals can take steps to avoid them.
The FDA requires allergens be listed on packages as part of a compliant Nutrition Fact Panel. Allergen testing is an important part of this process to ensure that consumers with food allergies have accurate information about the food products they are purchasing.
RL Food Testing offers a full range of allergen testing that is usually turned around in 3-5 business days. We use top-of-the-line equipment and testing methods in an ISO Certified Lab to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable.
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