blog about Invitek Diagnostics Advances Food Allergen Detection with Molecular Tech

Food safety, particularly the accurate labeling of allergens, has become a critical global concern for consumers. Under EU Regulation No. 1169/2011, food manufacturers are required to clearly list all potentially allergenic ingredients on product labels. This regulation not only strengthens consumer health protections but also demands more sophisticated testing technologies from the food industry. In this context, Invitek Diagnostics' InviScreen® Allergen Detection Kits have emerged as a benchmark for allergen risk management in food and feed production.

The InviScreen® Allergen Detection Kits represent more than conventional testing tools—they are advanced molecular biology solutions employing real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect specific allergenic species in food and feed samples with exceptional accuracy. A key innovation is the simultaneous amplification of both target allergen DNA and an Internal Amplification Control (IAC). The IAC serves as a crucial safeguard against false-negative results caused by PCR inhibition, ensuring reliable and precise detection.

Under optimal laboratory conditions, these kits demonstrate remarkable sensitivity, capable of detecting allergen concentrations as low as 10 parts per million (ppm). This high sensitivity enables the identification of even trace allergen contamination, providing food manufacturers with unprecedented risk control capabilities. Such precision is particularly vital for preventing severe allergic reactions caused by cross-contamination, especially in complex food matrices where processing may introduce unintended contact.

The accuracy of molecular detection largely depends on high-quality DNA extraction. Invitek Diagnostics' InviSorb® series addresses this need with rapid, simple, and efficient methods for isolating pure DNA from diverse food samples. Whether dealing with plant- or animal-derived ingredients, highly processed foods, or ready-to-eat products, the InviSorb® system offers tailored solutions. The company has developed multiple DNA purification kits adapted for various complex matrices, significantly simplifying sample preparation and establishing a solid foundation for subsequent PCR testing.

Invitek Diagnostics has developed a range of highly specific InviScreen® DNA detection kits, each containing 100 tests, to address common market allergens. The product line includes:

• InviScreen® Almond DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Brazil Nut DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Cashew Nut DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Celery DNA Detection Kit (targeting a common European allergen)
• InviScreen® Coconut DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Crustacean DNA Detection Kit (covering shrimp, crab, and similar species)
• InviScreen® Fish DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Hazelnut DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Lupin DNA Detection Kit (for this important European allergen)
• InviScreen® Macadamia Nut DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Molluscs DNA Detection Kit (covering mussels, clams, and similar species)
• InviScreen® Mustard DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Pecan Nut DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Peanut DNA Detection Kit (for one of the most common global allergens)
• InviScreen® Pistachio DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Sesame DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Soya DNA Detection Kit
• InviScreen® Walnut DNA Detection Kit

Beyond core allergen detection, Invitek Diagnostics' technology platform extends to other critical areas of food safety and animal health. The InviSorb® Spin Food Kit provides a universal solution for DNA isolation from complex food matrices, reinforcing the company's leadership in sample preparation. Meanwhile, the InviRapid® allergen detection technology represents a new direction for fast, simplified testing capable of identifying multiple allergens within minutes—particularly valuable for rapid field screening or high-throughput laboratory scenarios.

In animal health applications, InviScreen® PCR kits enable pathogen identification in animals, supporting disease diagnosis and prevention. For genetically modified organism (GMO) testing, these kits can accurately detect transgenic components in food and feed samples, meeting increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.

Through its InviScreen® and InviSorb® product lines, Invitek Diagnostics has established a complete solution spanning sample preparation to molecular diagnostics. These technologies not only help food manufacturers comply with regulations but more importantly, they contribute to safer, more transparent food choices for consumers—an essential component of building healthier food supply chains. As molecular diagnostic technology continues to advance, the company remains committed to developing increasingly precise and efficient testing tools to address evolving challenges in food safety.