The Risk of Undeclared Allergens on Food Labels for Pediatric Patients in the European Union

Abstract

The dietary avoidance of allergens has been widely recognized as the key intervention in the management of food allergies, but the presence of undeclared allergens makes compliance difficult. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of undeclared allergens in food labeling through RASFF notifications in the European Union, focusing on those allergens that frequently affect the pediatric population and the implicated products, so as to provide useful information for its risk evaluation and the development of educational materials for patients. The results showed milk (20.5%), gluten (14.8%), and nuts (10.9%) to be the pediatric allergens with higher presences. In 80% of the notifications concerning milk and milk derivatives, the specific compound present (lactose or lactoprotein) was not identified. They were mainly present in cereal and bakery products, prepared dishes and snacks, and cacao and confectionery products, all of which are frequently consumed by the pediatric population. The large quantity (7.6%) of undeclared allergens in “free-from-allergen” products was also remarkable, especially in regard to the supposedly not-present allergens. Undeclared allergens in food products pose an evident risk for allergic patients and knowledge of them should take a relevant role in a patient’s nutritional education. It is also necessary to raise awareness among manufacturers and safety authorities.

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“… 4 Although food fraud appears to be price-related, in some cases, ingredients dangerous to human health and allergens may be included in these food products, endangering consumer safety. 5 …”

Detection of a Thermal Stable-Soluble Protein (TSSP) as a Marker of Peanut Adulteration Using a Highly Sensitive Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay based on Monoclonal Antibodies

“…Peanut is one of the top 9 food allergens (sesame has been newly classified since January 2023), and people with peanut allergies often experience severe allergic reactions in the USA [ 5 ]. Recently, 9 pesto products have been recalled because they contained undeclared peanuts in Australia (2020), and the intentional and unintentional adulteration of peanuts has often been reported in nut and sauce products [ 6 ].…”

“…However, food allergy-associated accidents are still increasing due to insufficient food allergen control in complex food processing facilities and intentional adulteration by food fraud for economic reasons [ 8 ]. Moreover, allergy sufferers can be significantly affected in the long-lasting by consuming undeclared food allergens in foods [ 6 ]. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop analytical methods for the easy, sensitive, and specific detection of food allergens and adulterants in processed foods.…”

“…However, food allergy-associated accidents are still increasing due to insufficient food allergen control in complex food processing facilities and intentional adulteration by food fraud for economic reasons [8]. Moreover, allergy sufferers can be significantly affected in the long-lasting by consuming undeclared food allergens in foods [6].…”

“Vegan” and “plant-based” claims: risk implications for milk- and egg-allergic consumers in Canada

“…Yet, most CFIA recalls of products marketed as “vegan” are due to presence of undeclared ingredients of animal origin (19/21, since 2012), notably milk and egg [ 6 ]. Similarly, cases of “vegan” products containing these allergens have been reported in several jurisdictions other than Canada [ 3 , 7 , 8 ], posing a serious risk to allergic consumers, and in one instance, a fatality [ 9 ].…”