Mustard allergen detection

Introduction

Mustard allergens are proteins found in mustard seeds that can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. When someone with a mustard allergy consumes mustard or mustard-containing products, their immune system mistakenly identifies the mustard allergens as harmful. This triggers the release of chemicals, such as histamine, which cause allergic symptoms.

The allergenic proteins responsible for these reactions include:

Sin a 1: This is a lipid transfer protein (LTP) found in mustard seeds. LTPs are known to cause allergic reactions in various plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Sin a 2: Another major allergenic protein found in mustard seeds, Sin a 2 belongs to the 2S albumin family. It is one of the primary allergens responsible for mustard allergy.

Sin a 3: Sin a 3 is a cruciferin protein found in mustard seeds. Cruciferins are seed storage proteins and can elicit allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Other Proteins: Mustard seeds contain various other proteins that may also act as allergens, though their significance in mustard allergy may vary among individuals.

Significance mustard allergen testing

Importance	Description
Avoidance of Reactions	Testing helps identify individuals with a mustard allergy
	so they can avoid exposure and prevent serious reactions
Improved Food Safety	Food manufacturers can test to ensure product safety for
	people with mustard allergies, especially for "masked" allergens.
Accurate Diagnosis	Testing helps distinguish true allergies from other conditions
	(like OAS) for proper diagnosis and management plans.
Food Industry	Testing helps ensure the safety of food products and protects consumers with allergies. It also promotes transparency in labeling.
Healthcare Professionals	Accurate diagnosis through testing facilitates proper treatment and management plans for individuals with mustard allergies.

Recent recall

On January 8, 2024, Ventura Foods issued a voluntary recall of Publix Deli Carolina-Style Mustard BBQ Sauce sold exclusively at Publix Super Markets, Inc., due to the presence of Traditional Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce containing an undeclared fish (anchovy) allergen. This oversight poses a serious risk to individuals with fish allergies, potentially leading to severe or life-threatening reactions upon consumption

Standards and Regulations

Focus on Labeling: Regulations around mustard allergens primarily focus on labeling requirements. This ensures consumers with mustard allergies can make informed choices about the food they consume.

Codex Alimentarius: This international food standards code, established by the FAO and WHO, recommends labeling of the eight most common allergens, including mustard. Many countries use Codex Alimentarius as a base for their own regulations. https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/en/

European Union (EU): The EU has stricter regulations with a mandated list of 14 allergens that must be declared on food labels. Mustard is included in this list. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/food-labelling-giving-food-information-to-consumers

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The US FDA mandates labeling of the eight major allergens, including mustard, on pre-packaged foods. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/food-allergies

Detection of mustard allergens

The two main methods for detecting mustard allergens: immunological assays and DNA-based methods. Here's a summary of the key points:

Immunological Assays:

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): Utilizes antibodies specific to mustard allergens. Mustard allergens bind to these antibodies, and a secondary enzyme-linked antibody generates a measurable signal.
Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA): A rapid test where a sample is applied to a test strip containing antibodies. If mustard allergens are present, they bind to the antibodies, causing a visible line to appear on the strip.

DNA-Based Methods:

Conventional PCR: Amplifies DNA by cycling through heating and cooling to separate DNA strands, allowing primers to anneal and DNA polymerase to extend the primers, resulting in exponential amplification of the target DNA.
Real-time PCR: Allows for the detection of amplified DNA in real-time using a fluorescent dye. The fluorescence increases as DNA amplification occurs, enabling quantification of the target DNA in the sample.

Eurofins role in detecting mustard allergens

Eurofins is a global leader in allergen testing, and they offer a variety of services for detecting mustard allergens in food products. Their methods include:

Multi-Aller-Gene© Screening Tests: This is a DNA-based test that can detect multiple allergens, including mustard, in a single assay. This is a quick and cost-effective way to screen for allergens in food products.

Aller-Gene©: This is a full test program that can detect all of the allergens on the EU allergen hit list, including mustard. This program uses a combination of chemical, enzymatic, molecular biological (PCR), and immunological methods (ELISA) to test for proteins, DNA, lactose, and sulphites.

Eurofins can also provide advice on the best testing method for your specific needs. Their state-of-the-art labs and testing procedures are designed to provide accurate and reliable results.

Here are some of the benefits of using Eurofins for mustard allergen testing:

Accurate and reliable results
Wide range of testing methods available
Can test for multiple allergens in a single assay
Expert advice on the best testing method for your needs
Global network of laboratories

References

https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/mustard-market
Sharma, A., Verma, A.K., Gupta, R.K. et al.A Comprehensive Review on Mustard-Induced Allergy and Implications for Human Health. Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol 57, 39–54 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-017-8651-2