Two quantitative hexaplex real-time PCR systems for the detection and quantification of DNA from twelve allergens in food

According to the EU and Swiss legislation, allergens in food have to be labelled. Consumers, exhibiting allergic reaction, must be able to avoid such food and its products. In order to provide efficient and reliable methods, two novel hexaplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction systems were developed and validated. The first system simultaneously determines DNA contents from cashew, peanut, hazelnut, celery, soy, mustard, whereas the second system determines DNA contents from milk (beef), egg (chicken), almonds, sesame, pistachio and walnut. The two tests exhibited a good specificity and a detection limit of at least 0.1?% for all analytes. This was additionally verified using samples from proficiency tests. Application on samples from the market revealed realistic and useful information about allergen contents. Quantitative results according to weight are not possible yet.