ISPAM Meeting Book (September 18, 2016)

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Discussions on techniques included plate-based ELISAs that are driven by compliance and enforcement
and what is currently used for validation of these methods. While PCR is used, this technology was
indicated to be of lower priority. Lateral flow devices used for verification were considered to be what is
commonly available. The gap with lateral flow devices is that there is the need for multiplex and
quantitative systems. While it was acknowledged that there are other technologies available, much of
the discussion centered on rapid assays and antibody based technologies. The panel did not consider
instrument technologies such as mass spectrometry or chromatographic methodologies as part of the
prioritization scope for the ISPAM Working Group on Food Allergen Assays.
Further discussion on criteria centered on public health risks and challenges which included
consideration of consumer complaints, severity of reactions, frequency of incidents and clinical
relevance. Peanut, egg, and milk were seen to be the most prevalent in public health. Although fish was
mentioned as an area for which testing methods are needed and soy was also among those targets
where there are differences and discrepancies in methodology, when the panel considered all criteria
parameters and areas where testing methods are needed, the following target allergen priorities
evolved out of the discussion as the following:
 Peanut
 Egg
 Milk
 Tree nut (to be determined)
Gluten, while not an allergen, was also expressed as a priority by the industry panelists representing
food companies. It was agreed that a separate SMPR may be developed for this analyte.
The panel agreed that these are the initial priority target allergens on which AOAC should focus efforts.
They also agreed that methods must be fit-for-purpose, cost effective, and time efficient. It was
mentioned that AOAC currently has no food allergen methods published in the Official Methods of
Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL.
Advisory panel members were invited to provide recommendations for working group chair, sign up to
be a member on the working group, and to recommend names of experts to participate in the working
group.
In the interim, AOAC will:
 Recruit and appoint a working group chair from recommendations of the advisory panel.
 Work with the working group chair to assist him/her in drafting the launch presentation for the
September 18, 2016 ISPAM meeting.
 Draft the minutes from this meeting and send out an ISPAM community announcement.
 Send targeted communications to those experts recommended by advisory panel members.
 Form the ISPAM Working Group on Food Allergen Assays, which will begin drafting the SMPR®
after the ISPAM meeting in September 2016.
CONCLUSION
The prioritized allergen targets are peanut, egg, milk, and a tree nut (to be determined). The industry
panelists also identified gluten as a priority. The path forward will include identifying key experts in Food
Allergen to serve as working group chair(s) and members. The ISPAM Working Group on Food Allergens
Assays will officially launch during the AOAC Annual Meeting & Exposition to be held in Dallas, TX USA;
the meeting date is Sunday, September 18, 2016. The working group will focus on developing SMPRs®
based on the priority targets identified by the Advisory Panel.
To volunteer for the working group, please complete the following form:
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