In 2015 a number of cumin spice products were withdrawn from the international market because of the suspected presence of almond, a known allergen from the Prunus genus. However, immunoassay results were unable to pr...In 2015 a number of cumin spice products were withdrawn from the international market because of the suspected presence of almond, a known allergen from the Prunus genus. However, immunoassay results were unable to provide unequivocal evidence of the Prunus species present, because of significant cross-reactivity with other species within the Prunus genus. A novel real-time PCR assay was developed for the specific detection of Prunus mahaleb DNA, a species known to be capable of causing false positives in almond immunoassays. The assay was developed based on available DNA sequence information from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, and tested against representative species within the Prunus genus to ensure no cross-reactivity. Results showed that mahaleb DNA was detected in a cumin spice product subject to the earlier international recalls, which could not be unequivocally identified using immunoassay approaches alone. This short report details preliminary results from the application of this assay, and will be of interest to analytical laboratories involved in trace detection of ingredients in support of relevant food labelling legislation.展开更多
Food allergies represent a clear threat to the general health and wellbeing of those affected which place increasing pressure on food producers and regulatory authorities. Current analytical techniques typically find ...Food allergies represent a clear threat to the general health and wellbeing of those affected which place increasing pressure on food producers and regulatory authorities. Current analytical techniques typically find difficulties distinguishing between closely related Prunus species which include almond (Prunus dulcis), an EU listed allergenic species. This study describes a proof of principle real-time PCR approach utilising DNA melt analyses that targets the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence to differentiate between a panel of Prunus test species. The method was successfully applied to the characterisation of a commercial paprika sample suspected of having being adulterated with almond, referred to the UK Government Chemist in 2015 in its advisory capacity. Subject to further validation work, the method appears to specifically amplify Prunus species and is capable of discrimination based on the resultant melt profiles. The developed method provides analysts with a simple and broad molecular tool to identify common Prunus species for food authenticity and allergen testing purposes. Initial development work demonstrates a promising approach with the potential to improve discrimination between Prunus species not easily resolved by routine analytical methods.展开更多
文摘In 2015 a number of cumin spice products were withdrawn from the international market because of the suspected presence of almond, a known allergen from the Prunus genus. However, immunoassay results were unable to provide unequivocal evidence of the Prunus species present, because of significant cross-reactivity with other species within the Prunus genus. A novel real-time PCR assay was developed for the specific detection of Prunus mahaleb DNA, a species known to be capable of causing false positives in almond immunoassays. The assay was developed based on available DNA sequence information from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, and tested against representative species within the Prunus genus to ensure no cross-reactivity. Results showed that mahaleb DNA was detected in a cumin spice product subject to the earlier international recalls, which could not be unequivocally identified using immunoassay approaches alone. This short report details preliminary results from the application of this assay, and will be of interest to analytical laboratories involved in trace detection of ingredients in support of relevant food labelling legislation.
文摘Food allergies represent a clear threat to the general health and wellbeing of those affected which place increasing pressure on food producers and regulatory authorities. Current analytical techniques typically find difficulties distinguishing between closely related Prunus species which include almond (Prunus dulcis), an EU listed allergenic species. This study describes a proof of principle real-time PCR approach utilising DNA melt analyses that targets the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence to differentiate between a panel of Prunus test species. The method was successfully applied to the characterisation of a commercial paprika sample suspected of having being adulterated with almond, referred to the UK Government Chemist in 2015 in its advisory capacity. Subject to further validation work, the method appears to specifically amplify Prunus species and is capable of discrimination based on the resultant melt profiles. The developed method provides analysts with a simple and broad molecular tool to identify common Prunus species for food authenticity and allergen testing purposes. Initial development work demonstrates a promising approach with the potential to improve discrimination between Prunus species not easily resolved by routine analytical methods.
