Publications

MoSIN publication in Food and Chemical Toxicology

Abstact

The increasing introduction of novel protein sources globally requires more robust allergenicity evaluations to predict their sensitising capacity. This study ranked plant-derived and animal-derived food allergens to establish reference proteins that may support the future development of predictive tools for de novo sensitisation. Sera from 307 Dutch adult patients presenting with suspected food allergy at an allergology outpatient clinic were analysed with Allergy Xplorer2 multiplex immunoassay. Food components were ranked based on specific IgE-binding frequencies, intensities, and clinical relevance. Plant-derived components demonstrated higher overall positive frequencies (491 vs 122) and median intensities (2.2 vs 1.7 kUA/L) than animal-derived components. Within plant protein families, 2S albumins exhibited the highest frequencies (197) and median intensities (4.2 kUA/L); with peanut allergens rAra h 2 (10.0%, 4.5 kUA/L) and rAra h 6 (9.4%, 7.1 kUA/L) most prominent and clinically relevant. Considering overall ranking, a proposed plant-derived reference panel comprises strong (Ara h 2, Jug r 4), intermediate (Ses i 1, Pru p 3), and weak (Gly m 5, Sin a 1) sensitising proteins. Plant-family ranking appears most effective for establishing reference sets, highlighting their potential utility in future allergenicity risk assessment frameworks tailored to clinical relevance of specific food items and novel protein sources.

MoSIN publication in Tijdschrift voor Levensmiddelenrecht (Journal of Food Law)

The new PAL policy in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is introducing, as one of the first countries in the world, a national policy rule for Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL), which indicates cross-contamination with allergens on pre-packaged products in order to protect allergic consumers. The rules standardize warnings and require the use of scientifically substantiated reference doses (ED05), but the lack of European harmonization creates uncertainty for businesses and cross-border trade.

For allergic consumers, the policy rule is expected to provide greater clarity and safety in the long term, provided that the new labels are properly understood. At the same time, producers face practical and financial challenges, such as adapting production lines and quality control systems. The effectiveness of the policy largely depends on clear communication, monitoring, and evaluation.

With this initiative, the Netherlands is taking on a pioneering role, and its outcome may help shape future European agreements on PAL.