Hidden allergens

The threat may be caused by the so-called hidden allergens occurring in food as a result of using food additives in order to obtain desired functional properties of a product or to increase its shelf life, or by lack of information about the potential occurrence of some allergen. In this context there is a clear worldwide need for suitable labeling of food products in order to protect consumers (Taylor and Hefle 2001). 

Wiithrich (2000) also reports a number of fatal cases caused by allergic reactions to foods pointing out particular threat posed by the so-called hidden allergens. 

Muller, U., Weber, W., Hoffmann, A., Franke, S., Lange, R., Vieths, S. 1998. Commercial soybean lecithins A source of hidden allergens ZLebensm Unters Forsch 207 341-351. 

Food additives, and particularly added nutrients, are most often a source of the so-called hidden allergens in food products and, as such, constitute a serious health threat to consumers who suffer from allergenic hypersensitivity they can even cause a life-threatening anaphylaxis (David 1993). For this reason, it is essential that use of food additives and food labeling be legally regulated. 

Yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), and hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP) as natural additives are a way in which manufacturers include MSG without having to declare it on the label and for this reason they are a health threat created by hidden allergens. Baker s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), yeast preparation, and yeast extract which are widely used by the food industry as flavoring in, for example, powdered and readymade sauces and soups can develop multiple anaphylactic reactions after ingestion in mold-allergic patients (Airola et al. 2006). 

The prevention of allergic reactions due to (hidden) allergens in food products is a matter of collective responsibility between authorities, food producers, and allergic consumers. There should be a balance between realistic and clear labeling of crosscontamination, patients awareness of the risk for themselves, and possible other ways of communication by food producers directly to target groups. 

Detection of potent allergens in marketed ready-made foods (also hidden allergens). Declaration of the food allergen content should be improved. 

Barbieri G, Frigeri G (2006). Identification of hidden allergens detection of pistachio traces in mortadella. Food Addit. Contain., 23(12) 1260-1264. 

Rossi S, Scaravelli E, Germini A, Corradini R, Fogher C, Marchelli R (2006). A PNA-array platform for the detection of hidden allergens in foodstuffs. Fur. Food Res. Technol, 223 1-6. 

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used increasingly in food analysis for verification of allergen labeling of foods to identify hidden allergens in processed food. It is... 

Hischenhuber C (2001). Analytical methods for the detection of hidden allergens their use and limitations. Proceedings of the International Workshop on Food Allergy Chemical and Technological Aspects Ispra, Italy, Nov. 6-8, 2001. EUR 20241 EN. 

De las Marinas D, CojocariuZ, EscuderoR, Pardo N, Sanz ML (2007). Anaphylaxis induced by lupine as a hidden allergen. J. Investig. Allergol Clin. Immunol, 17 283-284. 

Mustard is consumed in various forms throughout the world. It can be used as a condiment with meats and a variety of Asian dishes. It can be used to prepare pastes or as an ingredient for a large variety of sauces, soups, salad dressings, and marinades. It has also been used as an ingredient in some traditional remedies. It is frequently encountered in foods as a hidden allergen. 

Chromate is often a hidden allergen, and in any situation where a patient has a positive patch test to chromate and has contact dermatitis, one should always suspect that they are in contact with chromate, and spot testing for chromate can be helpful. 

Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh) 49 547-551 Ylitalo L, Makinen-Kiljunen S, Turjanmaa K, Palosuo T, Reunala T (1999) Cow s milk casein, a hidden allergen in natural rubber gloves. J Allergy Clin Immunol 104 177-180 Zussman BM (1987) Allergic to money. Cutis 1987 40 234... 

Eat something else. Hypoallergenic formulas are available for infant milk formulas that are prepared from soybeans or rice. In this particular instance, it is the individual s responsibility to be aware of potential hidden sources of the allergen. Food product awareness is essential, as the presence of cow s milk protein can include casein, whey, lactalbumin, caramel color, and nougat. Other indications of hidden allergens include egg substitutes that contain chicken egg pro-... 

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