Allergy Awareness Month: The Life-Saving Role of Allergen Detection in Food Safety

Every May, Allergy Awareness Month reminds us that food allergies are not just dietary preferences or a personal inconvenience—they’re a public health priority, potentially life-threatening conditions that impact millions globally. For us, this month is a time to raise awareness and reinforce why food allergen detection is one of the most critical pillars in food safety programs.  

Behind every allergen detection kit we create, there is a very real purpose: protecting lives. 

 

Why Food Allergies Are a Growing Public Health Risk 

 

More than 32 million Americans and hundreds of millions worldwide live with food allergies. From children navigating school cafeterias to adults traveling abroad, the risk of accidental exposure is constant. Food allergies can cause reactions ranging from mild irritation to anaphylaxis, a rapid and severe reaction that can lead to death if not treated immediately.  

According to data from Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE): 

• More than 170 foods have been reported to cause food allergy reactions in the US
• In 2004, eight major food allergens—milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and crustacean shellfish—were identified as responsible for at least 90 percent of the serious food allergy reactions in the US
• In 2021, the US added sesame as the ninth major food allergen
• The most common food allergies in children are due to peanuts, milk, shellfish and tree nuts
• The most common food allergies in adults are due to shellfish, milk, peanuts and tree nuts 

These statistics highlight the growing need for robust allergen control and detection programs across the food industry—from manufacturing and processing to packaging and food service. 

Real Lives Behind the Labels 

It’s easy to think of food safety as compliance checklists, but behind every mislabel, uncleaned surface, or contaminated batch is a person whose life could change in an instant.  

In the past 18 months alone, several heartbreaking incidents have captured international headlines: 

• Dominique Brown, a 34-year-old Disney influencer, trusted that the unmarked food at a holiday event was peanut-free. It wasn’t.
• Andrew Mueller, just 20, unknowingly ate peanut butter M&Ms while hanging out with friends. He thought it was an asthma attack. It was anaphylaxis.
• Hannah Glass, 19, ate what her friend brought her, a “gluten-free” brownie with hidden peanut flour used to replace wheat flour. She died that evening.
• Skyler, 14, on vacation in Italy, died after her first meal abroad. A trace of peanuts in her food at a pizza restaurant was enough. She never made it back to the hotel.
• Lily King, 18, in Morocco, was served food she was told was safe. She double-checked with the staff. It wasn’t. Despite two epinephrine injections, she didn’t make it. 

Each story is heartbreaking. Yet, each one is preventable. And these are just the tip of the iceberg. These tragedies are painful reminders of why allergen detection matters. 

How Food Allergen Detection Prevents Cross-Contact and Saves Lives  

Food allergen detection is a critical step in any allergen control program. Food manufacturers, processors, and service providers are on the front lines of preventing allergic reactions, but they need tools they can trust. 

Allergen detection helps food safety teams: 

• Verify that allergen cleaning procedures are effective
• Detect trace allergen contamination during production
• Validate that allergen-free claims on packaging are accurate
• Prevent cross-contact that could endanger lives
• Comply with global regulations such as AOAC RI PTM, AOAC OMA, FDA, USDA, Codex Alimentarius, and ISO standards 

 
At Hygiena, our portfolio of allergen detection kits provides rapid, accurate, and easy-to-use testing solutions for common allergens like peanut, milk, gluten, egg, and more. Our customers, from food manufacturers to distributors, trust us to deliver tools that not only meet regulations but also protect real people. Learn more about our comprehensive allergen diagnostics and data management solution.  

Another valuable resource we recommend is the Food Allergy Research & Resource Program (FARRP). FARRP provides in-depth guidance for food processors looking to strengthen their allergen control programs. One helpful tool is their eBook on Allergen Control, which outlines the key components of an effective allergen control plan.  

If you’re a visual learner, we recommend watching our webinar, Master Allergen Control: Validation & Verification, presented in partnership with Dr. Joseph Baumert, Director of FARRP and postdoc in Food Allergy Research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The video covers the fundamentals of allergen validation and verification in food safety, offering a holistic approach to allergen management for food processors, QA professionals, and regulatory teams. 

Beyond Compliance: Why We Care 

Allergen testing isn’t just about ticking a regulatory box. It’s about honoring the trust that consumers place in food producers. It’s about giving parents peace of mind when they pack a lunch. It’s about helping chefs safely serve guests. It’s about saving lives before tragedy strikes. 

When a QA manager uses our test to validate a production line, they’re not just checking for peanut residues—they’re helping ensure that a child with a peanut allergy gets to and from school safely. When a distributor recommends our kits, they’re empowering food businesses with the tools to do the right thing. 

We believe every test matters. Every result matters. Every life matters. 

Let’s Build a Safer Food System Together 

As we observe Allergy Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the food industry with the most reliable allergen detection tests. We encourage everyone in the food industry to reflect on the real impact of their work.  

Let’s keep working together to build a world where food allergies don’t claim lives. Together, we can prevent the next tragedy. 

Learn More and Take Action 

Want to strengthen your allergen control program? Explore Hygiena’s allergen detection solutions, or contact our team to request a free consultation today. 

Ready to Order?  

Purchase allergen test kits directly from the US eStore or the Australia eStore.