Soya allergen

Introduction

In the context of soy allergen management, reliable microbiological testing in certified labs is essential to accurately detect potential allergens like soy, ensuring the safety of food products. These tests play a pivotal role in food allergy testing, aiding individuals with soy allergies in making informed dietary choices. Clear and accurate food labels, displaying allergenic ingredients like soy, are vital for consumers, as they provide essential information for avoiding allergen exposure. Access to nearby FSSAI approved food testing labs and microbiological laboratories is crucial for timely allergen detection, helping prevent adverse reactions in individuals with soy allergies and ensuring that food products meet safety standards and nutritional labelling requirements.

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. These proteins are mistaken as harmful invaders, triggering an allergic response. Soy is a versatile ingredient present in many foods, making it important for individuals with soy allergies to be vigilant about their diet. 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 flavour 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.

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 labelling 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 labelling to ensure the safety of consumers, especially those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.

FSSAI standards and regulations

The FSSAI standards and regulations for soya allergens are as follows:

Labelling requirements

All food products that contain soya or its derivatives must be clearly labelled 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 labelling, 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 labelled 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 labelling requirements. This means that soya beans do not need to be labelled 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.

Testing methods

There are several testing methods and techniques used to detect the presence of soy allergens in food products. These methods are essential for ensuring accurate allergen labeling and preventing allergic reactions in individuals with soy allergies. Here are some common testing methods for soy allergen detection:

Eurofins role in testing Soya allergen

Eurofins is a global leader in food safety and quality testing, and they play a significant role in the testing of soy allergens and allergen detection in food products. Eurofins provides a range of services and expertise in this area:

Allergen Testing Services: Eurofins offers comprehensive allergen testing services, including the detection of soy allergens, in various food products. They use advanced testing methods, such as ELISA, PCR, mass spectrometry, and immunochemical methods, to accurately identify the presence of soy allergens.

Customized Testing Solutions: Eurofins works with food manufacturers and producers to develop customized testing solutions tailored to specific products and manufacturing processes. This ensures that allergen testing is effective and reliable for each unique situation.

Sensitivity and Specificity: Eurofins tests for soy allergens with a focus on both sensitivity and specificity, ensuring that even trace amounts of soy can be detected while minimizing the risk of false-positive results.

Regulatory Compliance: Eurofins helps food companies ensure compliance with allergen labeling regulations, including those related to soy allergens. Accurate allergen labeling is essential for consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

Cross-Contamination Assessment: Eurofins assists in assessing the risk of cross-contamination in food processing facilities. They help identify areas where allergen contamination could occur and recommend measures to prevent it.

Quality Control: Eurofins supports food manufacturers in maintaining rigorous quality control standards to prevent unintended soy allergen presence in their products.

Certifications and Accreditation: Eurofins laboratories often hold certifications and accreditations, such as ISO 17025, which attest to their competence and adherence to international testing standards.

Timely Results: Eurofins provides timely and accurate test results, allowing food companies to make informed decisions about the safety and labeling of their products.

Research and Development: Eurofins invests in research and development to stay at the forefront of food allergen testing methods and technology, ensuring that their services are up to date and effective.

US FDA LAAF Recognition

EUROFINS Analytical Services India, based in Bangalore, has received recognition from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program. This achievement makes EUROFINS the first laboratory in Asia to receive this recognition. The LAAF program ensures the safety and quality of food in the United States by accrediting laboratories that perform testing of foods regulated by the FDA.

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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