Soya allergen testing

Introduction

Soya, also spelled soy, refers to the edible bean (soybean) of the Glycine max plant, a member of the legume family.

Uses: Soya is a highly versatile crop with wide-ranging applications. It's used in:

• Food: Soybeans, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy sauce, miso paste, lecithin, soy oil, protein isolates, textured vegetable protein (TVP).
• Animal feed: Soybean meal is a major source of protein for livestock.
• Industrial uses: Soy oil in biodiesel, bioplastics, lubricants, cosmetics.

Understanding Soya allergen

Soy allergy is a common food allergy that can affect both children and adults. It occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins found in soybeans and soy-based products

Prevalence: Soy allergy is one of the most common food allergies, especially in infants and young children. An estimated 0.4% of children are allergic to soy.

Trigger: The immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in soy as harmful, leading to an allergic reaction. Symptoms can range from mild (itching, rash) to severe (anaphylaxis).

Diagnosis: Skin prick tests or blood tests can help diagnose soy allergy.

Management: Strict avoidance of soy-containing foods is crucial for allergy management. Food labels must be carefully read, and alternative ingredients sought.

Common symptoms of soy allergy include skin rashes, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory issues, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis

Soya allergen products refer to food items that contain soy or soy-derived ingredients and may pose a risk to individuals with soy allergies. These products should be avoided by individuals who are allergic to soy to prevent allergic reactions. Common soya allergen products include:

• Soy-Based Milk: Soy milk, soy-based yogurt, and other dairy alternatives made from soy can contain soy allergens.
• Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce is typically made from soybeans and wheat. Individuals with soy allergies should opt for wheat-free or soy-free alternatives.
• Tofu and Tempeh: These soy-based protein sources are common in vegetarian and vegan diets but can trigger soy allergies.
• Soybean Oil: While highly refined soybean oil is generally considered safe for those with soy allergies, some highly sensitive individuals may react to it.
• Soy-Based Meat Substitutes: Products like veggie burgers, soy-based sausages, and meatless meatballs often contain soy protein.
• Processed and Packaged Foods: Many processed and packaged foods, such as baked goods, snack bars, and frozen meals, may contain soy-based ingredients or soy additives.
• Asian Cuisine: Dishes in Asian cuisine, such as stir-fries, fried rice, and noodles, frequently include soy sauce and soy-based ingredients.
• Salad Dressings and Marinades: Some salad dressings and marinades use soy sauce or soy-based ingredients as flavor enhancers.
• Infant Formulas: Some infant formulas are soy-based and should be avoided by infants with soy allergies.

Importance of testing

Testing for soy allergens in foods is of paramount importance for several reasons:

Market overview

The Food Allergen Testing Market had an initial valuation of USD 806.08 Million in 2021 and is anticipated to achieve a value of USD 1,346.30 Million by 2030, with a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.96% projected from 2023 to 2030.The projected growth in the Food Allergen Testing Market, which includes testing for soy allergens, is primarily driven by the widespread prevalence of soy allergies and the increasing awareness of food allergies in general.

Recent recall incidents

On August 26, 2022, Van Law Food Products Inc. issued a recall for Whole Foods Market 365 Organic Creamy Caesar Dressing due to the presence of undeclared soy and wheat allergens. This recall was initiated because individuals with soy or wheat allergies, or those with severe sensitivities to these allergens, face the potential risk of experiencing serious or even life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. It underscores the importance of accurate allergen labeling and the need for individuals with allergies to remain vigilant when choosing and consuming food products.

On May 18, 2023, Efoodz issued a recall for their 'Thai Chilli Chicken Meatballs with Steamed Vegetables and Rice' ready-to-cook product due to the presence of undeclared soy. This recall highlights the potential risk for individuals with soy allergies, as the product did not accurately disclose the presence of soy in its ingredients. It serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough allergen labeling to ensure the safety of consumers, especially those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

Standards and regulations

FSSAI standards and regulations:

Labeling requirements

All food products that contain soya or its derivatives must be clearly labeled as such. This includes both pre-packaged and unpackaged foods. The label must state that the product contains "soya" or "soya products".

Food Service Establishments (FSEs)

FSEs must also disclose the presence of soya allergens in their food products. This can be done through menu labeling, oral communication with customers, or a combination of both.

Cross-contamination

Food businesses must take all necessary steps to prevent cross-contamination of soya allergens with other foods. This includes using separate utensils and equipment for handling soya products, and cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and equipment thoroughly after use.

Specific requirements for soya-based beverages

Soya-based beverages must be labeled as such, and must state whether they are plain, composite, or mixed. Composite or mixed soya-based beverages must also state the names of all ingredients added to the plain soya beverage.

Exemptions

Raw agricultural commodities are exempt from the allergen labeling requirements. This means that soya beans do not need to be labeled as containing soya allergens.

Compliance requirements

All food businesses must comply with the FSSAI standards and regulations for soya allergens. The FSSAI may conduct inspections and take appropriate action against any entity found to be violating the standards and regulations.

European Union (EU):

Food Information for Consumers Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011: Requires labeling of 14 allergens, including soybeans, on pre-packaged foods.

Specifies: "Soybeans" or "Soya" must be prominently listed in the ingredient list if present.

Threshold limit: 0.1 mg/kg for processed soy derivatives in the final product. No threshold for unprocessed soybeans.

United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA):

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act): Identifies eight major food allergens, including soybeans, that must be declared on food labels.

Specifies: "Soybeans" or "Soy" must be clearly identified in the ingredient list if present.

Threshold limit: 10 mg/kg for soy protein in the final product. No threshold for unprocessed soybeans.

Mandatory and optional analyses

When analyzing for soya allergens, there are different types of tests performed, categorized as mandatory and optional based on regulations and industry best practices. Here's a breakdown:

Mandatory Analyses:

These tests are legally required in many countries to ensure accurate labeling and compliance with food safety regulations. They typically focus on:

Qualitative detection: Determining the presence or absence of soy proteins in a food product. This often involves methods like ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or PCR (Polymerase chain reaction).

Quantification: Measuring the amount of soy protein present in the final product, especially relevant when threshold limits exist. Different tests like HPLC (High-performance liquid chromatography) or SDS-PAGE (Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) can be used.

Optional Analyses:

These analyses provide additional information beyond basic detection and quantification, often used for research, quality control, or specific product claims. Examples include:

Speciation: Identifying the specific type of soy present, such as differentiating between Glycine max and Glycine soja, which might be relevant for certain labeling requirements.

Allergen potency: Assessing the allergenic activity of the soy proteins present, which can vary depending on processing methods and source material.

Cross-contamination assessment: Detecting and quantifying soy residues in products not intentionally containing soy, often relevant for manufacturers with strict allergen control protocols.

Testing methods

There are several testing methods and techniques used to detect the presence of soy allergens in food products. Here are some common testing methods for soy allergen detection:

Eurofins role in testing Soya allergen

Eurofins, a globally recognized leader in food testing and analytics, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and accurate labeling of food products in regards to soya allergens. Here's a breakdown of their contributions:

Expertise and Technology:

Broad analytical portfolio: Eurofins offers a comprehensive range of tests for soya allergens, encompassing both mandatory and optional analyses. They include qualitative/quantitative detection, speciation, allergen potency assessment, and cross-contamination analysis.

Advanced laboratories: Their global network of accredited laboratories boasts cutting-edge technologies like ELISA, PCR, HPLC, and SDS-PAGE, ensuring reliable and accurate results.

Expertise in allergen management: Eurofins possesses extensive knowledge and experience in food allergen analysis, providing valuable insights to clients beyond just test results.

Key Services:

Compliance testing: Eurofins helps manufacturers comply with regulations like FSSAI, EU, and USFDA concerning soya allergen labeling and threshold limits.

Product development and quality control: They assist companies in developing and ensuring the allergen-free status of their products through rigorous testing protocols.

Risk assessment and mitigation: Eurofins provides valuable data and recommendations to minimize the risk of soya allergen contamination and allergic reactions.

Training and consultancy: They offer expert training and consultancy services to food industry professionals on soya allergen management and best practices.

Benefits for Stakeholders:

Manufacturers: Gain assurance of compliance, protect against legal risks, and enhance brand reputation by ensuring accurate allergen labeling.

Retailers: Offer safe and reliable products to consumers with soy allergies, building trust and customer loyalty.

Consumers: Access accurate information about soya allergen presence in food products, making informed choices for optimal health and safety. testing methods and technology, ensuring that their services are up to date and effective.

References

1. Cordle C. T. (2004). Soy protein allergy: incidence and relative severity. The Journal of nutrition, 134(5), 1213S–1219S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.5.1213S
2. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/van-law-food-products-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-and-wheat-product
3. Matsuo, A., Matsushita, K., Fukuzumi, A., Tokumasu, N., Yano, E., Zaima, N., & Moriyama, T. (2020). Comparison of Various Soybean Allergen Levels in Genetically and Non-Genetically Modified Soybeans. Foods, 9(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9040522

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