Anisakis simplex is a fish parasite able to induce allergic reactions in humans infected when eating raw or undercooked fish parasitized with viable third-stage larvae. Some authors claim that exposure to nonviable Anisakis material can result in allergic symptoms in previously sensitized patients, indicating that parasite allergens are resistant to the thermal treatments of usual cooking procedures. Furthermore, some patients report symptoms after eating canned fish. The aim of this work was the analysis of parasite allergen stability in heating to 121°C in an autoclave to simulate the thermal process applied to canned fish. Third-stage larvae were subjected to autoclaving for 20, 40, and 80 min, and parasite crude extracts were analyzed by electrophoresis, immunoblotting, and a flow-cytometric basophil activation test. Allergens resistant to autoclaving were separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by ion trap mass spectrometry. Protein analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that autoclaving considerably reduced the number and intensity of identifiable protein bands in a time-dependent manner. Several allergens were detected by immunoblotting with a pool of A. simplex allergic patients' sera after autoclaving. Allergens of 9 and 14 kDa resistant to autoclaving were identified as Ani s 4 and Ani s 1 allergens, respectively. Functional analysis showed that allergens retain their capacity to activate basophils even after autoclaving for 80 min. In conclusion, some relevant A. simplex allergens retain their capacity to bind immunoglobulin E and activate basophils after being subjected to autoclaving, which is a method equivalent to that used in industrial canning processes.

BACKGROUND Some technological and food processing treatments applied to parasitized fish kill the Anisakis larvae and prevent infection and sensitization of consumers. However, residual allergenic activity of parasite allergens has been shown. The aim here was to study the effect of different heat treatments used in the fish canning processing industry on the antigen recognition of Anisakis L3. Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) were experimentally infected with live L3 Anisakis. After 48 h at 5 ± 1 °C, brine was added to the muscle, which was then canned raw (live larvae) or heated (90 °C, 30 min) (dead larvae) and treated at 113 °C for 60 min or at 115 °C for 90 min. Anisakis antigens and Ani s 4 were detected with anti‐crude extract and anti‐Ani s 4 antisera respectively. RESULTS Ani s 4 decreased in all lots, but the muscle retained part of the allergenicity irrespective of the canning method, as observed by immunohistochemistry. Dot blot analysis showed a high loss of Ani s 4 recognition after canning, but residual antigenicity was present. CONCLUSION The results indicate that heat treatment for sterilization under the conditions studied produces a decrease in Ani s 4 and suggest a potential exposure risk for Anisakis‐sensitized patients. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

The extrusion process can be transferred to high Andean areas with the idea of generating value chains for the cultivation of Andean cereals and grains. An extruded product has been developed using cereals, Andean grains and pota protein concentrate (CPPo) to develop a nutritional bar that is well accepted by children from 5 to 10 years of age. The most acceptable product, qualified as a functional product, was made with 60.0% corn, 19.0% rice, 15.0% kiwicha and 6.0% CPPo, the main characteristic of which was the absence of pota odor and flavor. Subsequently, the nutritional bar was prepared using 57.5% of the extruded product and adding 27.5% sugar, 10.0% glucose and 5.0% grated coconut. In the proximal chemical composition of the nutritional bar, the content of proteins (9.56%), fats (3.10%), carbohydrates (79.49%), moisture (6.54%) and fiber (0.63%) are highlighted. The true digestibility (DV) and biological value (BV) of the nutritional bar protein were 90.53% and 94.54%, respectively. Microbiological tests met the requirements for human consumption. Finally, the acceptability of the nutritional bar was high in children (93%) and met the children's requirement for essential amino acids.

The conditions for an optimal removal of Anisakis allergens can be established and calculated as a function of the washing steps. This approach opens a line to utilise parasitised fish in a safer way. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.