Crustacea Testing Solutions

Macadamia is a genus of trees indigenous to Australia, which is well known for its edible fruit, the macadamia nut. The seed, which is covered by a very hard shell, is frequently used as an ingredient in baked goods, confectioneries and breakfast cereals or consumed on its own. Although the prevalence compared to other tree nuts is rather low, macadamia nuts can elicit severe allergic responses, especially in children. Hidden traces of macadamia nuts in food represent a critical problem for allergic individuals. The food industry is required to use sensitive macadamia nut detection methods to protect consumers from the consequences of potential cross contamination.

Mandatory labeling of tree nuts in food
Tree nuts are considered one of the most frequent causes of food allergy, with macadamia nut allergy being among them. In Europe and the United States, the frequency of tree nut allergy as a whole is estimated to range between 0.2% and 0.5% both in children and adults. In order to protect consumers from the potentially fatal consequences of macadamia nut intake, allergen labeling is required by law in many countries. Macadamia nuts, along with other tree nuts, are regulated for example in the EU (Regulation No 1169/201) and the U.S. (FDA – FALCPA 2004).

Fast and highly sensitive macadamia nut analysis
At Romer Labs, we provide a comprehensive range of solutions for macadamia nut detection, comprising test kits and analytical services. Our macadamia nut test kit portfolio includes quantitative ELISA tests and qualitative lateral flow devices (LFDs) that are specifically engineered to detect macadamia nut proteins in environmental samples, rinse waters, and liquid and solid foodstuffs.