Reliable Allergen Screening with LC-MS/MS

Greater confidence in allergen detection for food, feed and complex matrices

NutriLab also analyses allergens in food and feed using LC-MS/MS: a highly selective analytical technique suitable for complex matrices, simultaneous detection of multiple allergens in a single analysis, and reliable support for labelling and quality assurance.

Reliable Allergen Screening with LC-MS/MS

Food safety and accurate labelling require certainty. For food and animal feed manufacturers, allergen cross-contamination can have major consequences—for consumers, regulatory compliance, and confidence in your brand and supply chain.

With LC-MS/MS, NutriLab offers a modern and highly selective analytical technique for detecting allergens in products, raw materials and production processes. The method is particularly valuable when multiple allergens need to be analysed simultaneously, when dealing with complex matrices, or when additional confirmation is required regarding the origin of a positive result.

What is LC-MS/MS?

LC-MS/MS stands for Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

During this allergen analysis, proteins are extracted from the sample and, where required by the method, enzymatically digested into smaller peptide fragments. Liquid chromatography separates these fragments before they enter the mass spectrometer, which detects and confirms peptide markers that are characteristic of a specific allergen.

Unlike many other analytical techniques, LC-MS/MS does not rely on a general reaction. Instead, it targets carefully selected marker peptides. Multiple signals are evaluated before an allergen is positively identified, providing a high level of analytical specificity while reducing the risk of incorrect interpretation.

How does the analysis work?

1. Sample preparation

Samples may include food products, processed foods, snacks, pet food, animal feed or raw materials. They are homogenised and extracted. Where necessary, proteins are enzymatically digested into measurable peptide fragments.

2. Separation of components

Using liquid chromatography, the various components of the sample are separated. This allows relevant peptide fragments to be analysed selectively, even in highly complex matrices containing numerous other compounds.

3. Identification by MS/MS

The mass spectrometer detects specific peptide fragments and confirms them through characteristic mass transitions. NutriLab evaluates multiple peptides and multiple mass transitions for each peptide, further strengthening the reliability of the identification.

Which allergens can be analysed?

LC-MS/MS can be used to detect the individual allergen molecules sulphite and lactose, as well as protein-based allergens, including:

• Egg
• Gluten-containing cereals
• Lupin
• Milk
• Mustard
• Tree nuts
• Peanut
• Crustaceans
• Celery
• Sesame
• Soy
• Fish
• Molluscs

In addition, LC-MS/MS can be applied to allergens and protein-containing ingredients outside the standard EU allergen list or those relevant for specific markets or product categories, including:

• Apple
• Buckwheat
• Kiwi
• Peach
• Pea
• Fenugreek
• Garlic
• Pine nuts
• Broad beans (fava beans)
• Sunflower seeds

The most appropriate analytical method depends on the product, matrix and research objective. NutriLab is happy to advise on the best solution for your specific application.

Why choose LC-MS/MS?

High specificity

LC-MS/MS targets precisely defined peptide sequences, enabling highly specific detection of allergens. This significantly reduces the risk of false-positive results caused by cross-reactivity or non-specific binding, as may occur with immunological techniques such as ELISA.

Suitable for complex and processed products

Heat treatment, pH changes and other processing steps can alter the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Unlike immunological methods such as ELISA, LC-MS/MS is less dependent on the intact protein structure, making it a more robust technique for many complex or highly processed products.

Careful sample preparation, effective control of matrix effects and appropriate marker peptide selection remain essential for reliable results.

Multiple allergens in a single analysis

One LC-MS/MS analysis can simultaneously detect multiple allergens, making the technique highly efficient when broad allergen screening or cross-contamination assessment is required.

Greater insight into allergen source and identity

In certain cases, LC-MS/MS can distinguish between different members of the same allergen group. Examples include:

• White and brown mustard
• Different tree nut species
• Fish species
• Crustaceans and molluscs
• Specific proteins within milk, soy or egg

This additional level of discrimination supports source tracing, supplier verification and more robust risk assessments.

LC-MS/MS, ELISA or PCR: which method is most suitable?

ELISA and PCR remain valuable analytical techniques, depending on the research question, product type and reporting requirements.

LC-MS/MS offers particular advantages when high structural specificity is required, when multiple allergens need to be analysed in a single run, or when previous test results require further confirmation.

While ELISA depends on antibody-epitope binding and PCR detects DNA from the allergen source, LC-MS/MS directly measures the allergenic protein or peptide itself. As a result, LC-MS/MS can provide additional confidence in many allergen risk assessments.

Applications for the food and feed industry

LC-MS/MS is particularly valuable for companies aiming to:

• Monitor allergen cross-contamination
• Verify suppliers and raw materials
• Validate production processes
• Support allergen labelling claims
• Verify "free-from" claims

The technique also plays an important role in the development of hypoallergenic products and in reducing product recall risks.

Within the feed industry, LC-MS/MS can additionally be used to detect unwanted or prohibited protein sources, supporting both food safety and quality assurance throughout the supply chain.

Confidence for your product and your customers

By choosing LC-MS/MS, you benefit from a powerful analytical technique that enables reliable assessment of allergen presence. The method supports accurate labelling, risk assessment and quality assurance, helping to build confidence among customers, supply chain partners and consumers.

Would you like to know which analytical method is most suitable for your product or specific challenge?

NutriLab's specialists are happy to advise you on the most appropriate approach for reliable allergen screening in food, feed and the agri-food sector.