Food consulting lab implements gluten analysis test kit

Sept. 8, 2014, Chicago – Silliker is implementing a test kit for
the analysis of gluten in its Markham, Ont., and Crete, Ill., locations.

Sept. 8, 2014, Chicago – Silliker is implementing a test kit for
the analysis of gluten in its Markham, Ont., and Crete, Ill., locations.

With the recent publication of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)
new gluten-free regulation, verifying that products meet the new
definition through analytical testing has taken on heightened importance
for food manufacturers, said Silliker, a Merieux NutriSciences Company,
which has announced the implementation of the RIDASCREEN R5 Gliadin test kit for
the analysis of gluten.

Developed by R-Biopharm,
RIDASCREEN Gliadin, a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay, tests
for the presence of gluten utilizing the R5 monoclonal antibody as
recommended by Codex Alimentarius. Approved by AOAC as Official First
Action Method (2012.01), AOAC Research Institute (AOAC-RI 120601) and
AACCI as method 38.50.01, RIDASCREEN Gliadin is widely accredited for
the quantitation of gluten prolamins in food. FDA has issued notice that
it will employ this technology as part of its rule enforcement
activities.

Silliker, an international
network of food testing and consulting laboratories, provides
food allergen testing services. The test system will be utilized at the company's Crete, Ill., and Markham, Ont., locations.

Under the new FDA
definition, the meaning of "gluten-free" claims has been standardized
across the food industry. To use the term "gluten-free" on its label, a
food must meet all of the requirements of the definition and must
contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. The rule also requires
foods with the claims “no gluten,” “free of gluten,” and “without
gluten” to meet the definition for “gluten-free.” The final rule applies
to all FDA-regulated packaged foods, including dietary supplements.

Manufacturers
have until Aug. 5, 2015, to bring their labels into compliance with
the new requirements.

According to industry estimates, gluten-free
product sales are expected to exceed more than $5 billion by next year.