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Isolation and characterization of a peanut maturity-associated protein.

Using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), the peanut protein profile was shown to be related to the maturity, drying time, and drying procedure of the peanut. Differences were seen between (a) immature and mature seeds for untreated and windrow-dried peanuts, (b) untreated and windrow-dried peanuts for immature and mature seeds, and (c) windrow- and stackpole-dried peanuts. The most pronounced HPLC peak that increased in size as the peanut matured and decreased in size with longer drying times was isolated and identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to have a molecular weight of 62 500. Since maturity is related to the sensory quality of peanuts, this protein may be a marker for peanuts that will produce a higher quality flavor when roasted.

Arachis↗

Resveratrol and piceid levels in natural and blended peanut butters.

Peanut and its derivatives, especially peanut butter, are extensively consumed in many countries, mainly in the United States, which is also the major exporter of these products. trans-Resveratrol is present in peanuts, and recently this compound has been quantified in peanut butter. It is well-known that there are beneficial effects of trans-resveratrol and its glucoside, the piceid, in health. The absorption of trans-resveratrol has been proven in animals, and certain studies show that the absorption of some phenols is enhanced by conjugation with glucose, so that it could be possible that trans-piceid would be more absorbed than its aglycon (trans-resveratrol). In our work, we have identified the presence of trans-piceid in peanut butter with a new method to quantify trans-resveratrol and trans-piceid (3-beta-glucose of trans-resveratrol). This fact is very interesting because the glucosilated form could be more easily absorbed by the intestinal gut; in this way trans-piceid would exercise its beneficial function more efficiently than trans-resveratrol. To our knowledge, this is the first time that trans-piceid has been quantified in peanut butter. Resveratrol and piceid contents in natural peanut butters were found to be significantly higher than those in blended peanut butters.

Absorption↗

Screening of a peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cDNA library to isolate a Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitor clone.

Peanut crop losses due to insect and pest infestation cost peanut farmers nearly 20% of their annual yields. The conventional use of chemicals to combat this problem is costly and toxic to humans and livestock and leads to the development of resistance by target insects. Transgenic plants expressing a trypsin inhibitor gene in tobacco and cowpea have proven to be efficient for resistance against insects. Therefore, a transgenic peanut overexpressing a trypsin inhibitor gene could be an alternative solution to the use of toxic chemicals. Five Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitor (BBTI) proteins were previously isolated from peanut. However, to date, neither cDNA nor genomic DNA sequences are available. The objective of this research was to screen a peanut cDNA library to isolate and sequence at least one full-length peanut BBTI cDNA clone. Two heterologous oligonucleotides were constructed on the basis of a garden pea (Pisum sativa) trypsin inhibitor nucleotide sequence and used as probes to screen a peanut lambda gt-11 cDNA library. Two positive and identical cDNA clones were isolated, subcloned into a pBluescript vector, and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed a full-length BBTI cDNA of about 243 bp, with a start codon ATG at position +1 and a stop codon TGA at position +243. In the 3' end, two poly adenylation signals (AATAAA) were identified at positions +261 and +269. The isolated cDNA clone encodes a protein of 80 amino acid residues including a leader sequence of 11 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence is 100% identical to published sequences of peanut BBTI AI, AII, BI, and BIII and 81% identical to BII.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CD4+ cells proliferate after peanut-extract-specific and CD8+ cells proliferate after polyclonal stimulation of PBMC of children with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Few studies describe in vitro food-allergen induced proliferative responses and cytokine production of PBMC of children with atopic dermatitis. This is especially true for peanut-allergen. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the specificity of the T cell in proliferative responses, in children with atopic dermatitis with or without peanut allergy and healthy age-matched children. METHODS: Proliferative responses were measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation and by expression of the intracellular Ki67-antigen using flow cytometry after antigen-specific stimulation of PBMC with peanut-extract (day 7) or polyclonal stimulation with Phorbol-12myristate-13acetate and Ca-ionophore (day 3). Cytokine mRNA (Interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), IL-4) was detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Cytokine production (IL-4, IFNgamma) was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Peanut-extract induced proliferative responses of PBMC from children with atopic dermatitis and peanut allergy (AD+PA+) were significantly higher as compared with the other groups studied. Ki67-antigen double staining revealed that 80-100% of the proliferating cells were CD4+. These proliferative responses correlated significantly with the increase in IL-4 mRNA expression after peanut-extract specific stimulation. After polyclonal stimulation, however, CD8+ cells preferentially proliferated. The degree of proliferation after polyclonal stimulation correlated inversely with the ratio of IL-4/IFNgamma production. CONCLUSIONS: The principal responding population of T cells in proliferative responses is different after peanut-extract specific and polyclonal stimulation of PBMC from AD+PA+ patients. Furthermore, we found indirect evidence that the PBMC fraction of AD+PA+ children contains increased frequencies of peanut-specific T helper-2 cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Purification and immunoglobulin E-binding properties of peanut allergen Ara h 6: evidence for cross-reactivity with Ara h 2.

BACKGROUND: IgE-binding peanut proteins smaller than 15 kDa were previously identified as potential allergens in the majority of our peanut allergic population. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the novel allergen in order to determine whether it was similar to one of the thus far identified recombinant peanut allergens (Ara h 1-7). METHODS: An IgE-binding protein of <15 kDa was purified and identified via N-terminal sequencing. Its IgE-binding properties were investigated using immunoblotting, basophil degranulation, and skin prick testing. Possible cross-reacting epitopes with other peanut allergens were studied using IgE-immunoblotting inhibition. RESULTS: The purified protein is a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of 14,981 Da as determined using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectroscopy. The amino acid sequence of the first 39 N-terminal residues is identical to that of Ara h 6, indicating that the allergen is Ara h 6. It is recognized by 20 out of 29 peanut-allergic patients on IgE-immunoblot, and its potent biological functionality is demonstrated by the degranulation of basophils, even at concentrations below 10 pg/mL, and by positive skin prick reactions. Ara h 6 has homology to Ara h 2, especially in the middle part and at the C-terminal part of the protein. Almost complete inhibition of IgE-Ara h 6 interaction with Ara h 2 demonstrates that at least part of the epitopes of Ara h 6 are cross-reactive with epitopes on Ara h 2. CONCLUSIONS: Peanut-derived Ara h 6 is a biologically active allergen recognized by the majority of our peanut-allergic patient population and can be considered a clinically relevant peanut allergen.

2S Albumins, Plant↗

Cohort study of peanut and tree nut sensitisation by age of 4 years.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sensitisation to peanuts and tree nuts in all children born during one year in one geographical area. DESIGN: Birth cohort study with structured review at ages 1, 2, and 4 years. SETTING: All children born on the Isle of Wight between January 1989 and February 1990. SUBJECTS: Of 1456 children originally included, 1218 were reviewed at age 4 years. Of these, 1981 had skin prick tests. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Positive skin test results, clinical atopic disease, and risk factors for the development of atopy. RESULTS: 15 of 1218 (1.2%) children were sensitised to peanuts or tree nuts (13 to peanuts). Six had had allergic reactions to peanuts (0.5% of the population), one to hazelnuts, and one to cashew nuts; three had had anaphylactic reactions. Seven children had positive skin test results or detectable IgE to peanuts without clinical symptoms. Two children who reacted to peanut in infancy had lost their sensitivity by 4 years. Family history of atopy, allergy to egg (odds ratio 9.9, 95% confidence interval 2.1 to 47.9, and eczema (7.3, 2.1 to 26.1) were important predictors for peanut allergy. CONCLUSIONS: IgE mediated allergy to peanuts is common in early childhood. In many the allergy persists but a minority may develop tolerance.

Arachis↗

Burrower bugs (Heteroptera: Cydnidae) in peanut: seasonal species abundance, tillage effects, grade reduction effects, insecticide efficacy, and management.

Pitfall traps placed in South Carolina peanut, Arachis hypogaea (L.), fields collected three species of burrower bugs (Cydnidae): Cyrtomenus ciliatus (Palisot de Beauvois), Sehirus cinctus cinctus (Palisot de Beauvois), and Pangaeus bilineatus (Say). Cyrtomenus ciliatus was rarely collected. Sehirus cinctus produced a nymphal cohort in peanut during May and June, probably because of abundant henbit seeds, Lamium amplexicaule L., in strip-till production systems. No S. cinctus were present during peanut pod formation. Pangaeus bilineatus was the most abundant species collected and the only species associated with peanut kernel feeding injury. Overwintering P. bilineatus adults were present in a conservation tillage peanut field before planting and two to three subsequent generations were observed. Few nymphs were collected until the R6 (full seed) growth stage. Tillage and choice of cover crop affected P. bilineatus populations. Peanuts strip-tilled into corn or wheat residue had greater P. bilineatus populations and kernel-feeding than conventional tillage or strip-tillage into rye residue. Fall tillage before planting a wheat cover crop also reduced burrower bug feeding on peanut. At-pegging (early July) granular chlorpyrifos treatments were most consistent in suppressing kernel feeding. Kernels fed on by P. bilineatus were on average 10% lighter than unfed on kernels. Pangaeus bilineatus feeding reduced peanut grade by reducing individual kernel weight, and increasing the percentage damaged kernels. Each 10% increase in kernels fed on by P. bilineatus was associated with a 1.7% decrease in total sound mature kernels, and kernel feeding levels above 30% increase the risk of damaged kernel grade penalties.

Agriculture↗

[Proportion of aflatoxin B1 contaminated kernels and its concentration in imported peanut samples].

Moldy and split peanut kernels were separated from peanuts exported from Brazil, Sudan, India and Taiwan by visual inspection. The remaining peanuts from Brazil, Sudan and India were roasted lightly and the skins were removed. Stained peanuts were separated from the others. Aflatoxin was detected in moldy and stained peanuts. There was a positive correlation between % of aflatoxin-contaminated peanut kernels and aflatoxin B1 concentration in whole samples. Aflatoxin concentration of moldy peanuts was higher than that of stained peanut kernels.

Aflatoxin B1↗

[The cDNA cloning of conarachin gene and its expression in developing peanut seeds].

In order to clone the genes of peanut seed storage proteins, a cDNA library of mid-maturation stage cotyledons of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. Shanyou 523) was constructed. After immunoscreening with polyclonal antibody against conarachin from peanut seeds, two cDNA sequences named Ahy alpha and Ahy beta of conarachin genes were obtained. BLAST these sequences in GenBank showed that they share high homology with the genes of legume 7S globulins. One of the sequences (Ahy beta) was found to be identical to part of the published complete cDNA sequence of the peanut allergen, Ara h1 p17. The other fragment (Ahy alpha) was almost identical to parts of the published complete cDNA sequence of the peanut allergen, Ara h1 p41b. Results of southern analysis show that they belong to a small gene family (the result is not shown). These sequences were expressed only in developing peanut seeds. To isolate the genes involved in seed storage protein and to understand the gene expression during peanut seed development, the sequences of 414 ESTs were determined and further analyzed by BLAST searches and categorized functionally. Five rESTs (representative ones) of arahin, two rESTs of conarachin and six rESTs of conglutin-like proteins were isolated. 17.0% of total transcripts isolated in this study are involved in peanut seed storage proteins.

Allergens↗

[Effect of ammonia treatment of peanut meal cake contaminated with A. flavus on nutritional value for the duckling].

Duckling are feeding peanut and meal detoxified or not by ammonia at the level of 25 p. 100. Control group are eating soybean meal at the same level. The raw protein content of diet is the same in each group. Experiment is carried out during four weeks, then duckling are killed. There is no significative difference between peanut meal detoxified and soybean meal relating to growth and food efficiency. Thus body weight is 775 and 764 g on duckling eating soybean meal; 764 and 827 g on duckling with peanut meal detoxified but only 472 and 452 g on birds with diet containing peanut meal not detoxified by NH3. Liver's weight is increased on these subjects. The ratio of liver weight to body weight X 100 is 5,49-4,79 and, respectively, 2,70-3,60 and 3,86-3,56 on duckling with detoxified peanut meal or controls eating soybean meal. Characteristic lesions of aflatoxicosis are developed on duckling consuming peanut meal not detoxified dosing about 285 mug/kg of Aflatoxin B1. Lesions are very slight, but present, on liver and kidney in detoxified peanut meal fed duckling. For kidney's lesions there are no differences between detoxified or not group, duckling eating detoxified peanut meal have absorbed 0,4 mug of Aflatoxin B1 during the eight first days of experiment and 8 to 10 mug during four weeks. These considerations explain light lesions observed and underlines duckling's sensitivity regarding aflatoxicosis.

Aflatoxins↗

Clinical characteristics of peanut allergy.

BACKGROUND: Current clinical advice regarding peanut allergy is based on small series of patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine, in a large group of peanut allergic subjects, the patterns of clinical severity, symptom progression and availability and use of rescue medications. METHODS: Questionnaire study of 622 self-reported allergic subjects. RESULTS: A total of 406 patients (66%) reported symptoms on contact with peanut. Only 121 (19%) had been knowingly exposed to peanut before the first documented reaction, implying a high frequency of occult sensitization. Severe symptoms were more common in adults. Abdominal symptoms were significantly associated with collapse. Fifty per cent reported reactions in the previous year. Only 82 (13%) had been admitted to hospital because of a reaction. Adrenaline was carried in some form by 65% though only 78 subjects (12.5%) had ever received injected adrenaline. Only 18/43 subjects (41%) who collapsed were given adrenaline. Skin-prick test weal size correlated weakly with severity but there were large overlaps between the groups. Peanut-specific IgE peaked in the teenage group, but did not correlate with severity. CONCLUSIONS: Peanut allergy is characterized by more severe symptoms than other food allergies and by high rates of symptoms on minimal contact. Skin-prick testing and peanut-specific IgE levels do not predict clinical severity. Avoidance of peanut is difficult. Many people suffering severe relations are inadequately treated. Sufferers need education and training in the use of rescue medication.

Adolescent↗

Isolation and characterization of natural Ara h 6: evidence for a further peanut allergen with putative clinical relevance based on resistance to pepsin digestion and heat.

Peanut allergy is a significant health problem because of its prevalence and the potential severity of the allergic reaction. The characterization of peanut allergens is crucial to the understanding of the mechanism of peanut allergy. Recently, we described cloning of the peanut allergen Ara h 6. The aim of this study was isolation and further characterization of nAra h 6. We purified nAra h 6 from crude peanut extract using gel filtration and anion exchange chromatography. The preparation was further characterized by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE) with subsequent immunoblotting. Stability of nAra h 6 was studied by an in vitro digestibility assay as well as by resistance against thermal processing. Sequencing of nAra h 6 identified the N-terminal amino acid sequence as MRRERGRQGDSSS. Further results clearly demonstrated stability of nAra h 6 against pepsin digestion and heating. Immunoglobulin G (IgE) binding analysis and its biological activity shown by RBL 25/30-test of natural Ara h 6 supported the importance of this peanut allergen. Investigation of nAra h 6 revealed evidence for a further peanut allergen with putative clinical relevance based on resistance to pepsin digestion and heat.

2S Albumins, Plant↗

The importance of dietary control in the development of a peanut allergy model in Brown Norway rats.

This report describes the further development of a peanut allergy model in Brown Norway (BN) rats and in particular the importance of allergen-free breeding of the laboratory animals for the allergen to be used. For this purpose BN rats were bred for 3 generations on soy- and peanut-free feed since it is known that the legumes peanut and soy are cross-reactive. In addition, the effect of cholera toxin (CT), an oral adjuvant often used to increase the sensitivity of food allergy models, was investigated in the BN rat model. BN rats that were bred on both soy- and peanut-free feed could be sensitized orally to peanut (all exposed rats developed peanut-specific IgE, IgG2a and IgG1) and the adjuvant CT could only enhance this sensitization to a limited extent. We also found different protein recognition patterns against purified peanut allergens (Ara h1, Ara h2 and Ara h3) between intraperitoneally (i.p.) and orally sensitized BN rats. Orally sensitized rats recognized all tested allergens whereas i.p. sensitized rats only recognized Ara h1 and Ara h2. Our conclusion is that a model for food allergy should preferably be (A) oral and (B) if possible without the use of adjuvantia. Our model in BN rats unites these preferred characteristics. In addition, we show the importance of dietary control when conducting oral sensitization studies. Special attention must be paid to unscheduled dietary pre-exposure of the animals to the protein under investigation to obtain optimal oral sensitization.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Peanut and tree nut allergic reactions in restaurants and other food establishments.

BACKGROUND: The clinical features of food-allergic reactions in restaurants and other food establishments have not been studied. Of the registrants in the United States Peanut and Tree Nut Allergy Registry (PAR), 13.7% have reported reactions associated with such establishments. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the features of allergic reactions to peanut and tree nut in restaurant foods and foods purchased at other private establishments (eg, ice cream shops and bakeries). METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted through use of a structured questionnaire. Subjects/parental surrogates were randomly selected from among the 706 PAR registrants who reported a reaction in a restaurant or other food establishment. RESULTS: Details were obtained for 156 episodes (29 first-time reactions) from 129 subjects/parental surrogates. Most reactions were caused by peanut (67%) or tree nut (24%); for some reactions (9%), the cause was a combination of peanut and another nut or was unknown. Symptoms began at a median of 5 minutes after exposure and were severe in 27% of reactions. Overall, 86% of reactions were treated (antihistamines, 86%; epinephrine, 40%). Establishments commonly cited were Asian food restaurants (19%), ice cream shops (14%), and bakeries/doughnut shops (13%). Among meal courses, desserts were a common cause (43%). Of 106 registrants with previously diagnosed allergy who ordered food specifically for ingestion by the allergic individual, only 45% gave prior notification about the allergy to the establishment. For 83 (78%) of these 106 reactions, someone in the establishment knew that the food contained peanut or tree nut as an ingredient; in 50% of these incidents, the food item was "hidden" (in sauces, dressings, egg rolls, etc), visual identification being prevented. In 23 (22%) of the 106 cases, exposures were reported from contamination caused primarily by shared cooking/serving supplies. In the remaining 21 subjects with previously diagnosed allergy, reactions resulted from ingestion of food not intended for them, ingestion of food selected from buffet/food bars, or skin contact/inhalation (residual food on tables, 2; peanut shells covering floors, 2; being within 2 feet of the cooking of the food, 1). CONCLUSIONS: Restaurants and other food establishments pose a number of dangers for peanut- and tree nut-allergic individuals, particularly with respect to cross-contamination and unexpected ingredients in desserts and Asian food. Failure to establish a clear line of communication between patron and establishment is a frequent cause of errors.

Humans↗

Improved screening for peanut allergy by the combined use of skin prick tests and specific IgE assays.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of peanut allergy must be based on reliable, safe criteria. Double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFCs) are the gold standard but are costly and dangerous because they can trigger severe reactions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a new strategy for diagnosing peanut allergy while reducing the need for DBPCFCs. METHODS: We studied 363 children referred for an evaluation of suspected food hypersensitivity. They all benefited from the same diagnostic strategy, which included, in order, clinical history, a skin prick test (SPT), and a specific IgE assay. DBPCFCs were performed on all the children by personnel who were unaware of the results of the other tests. To assess the performance characteristics of the SPT (comparing commercial and raw peanut extracts) and the specific IgE assay, we compared the results with those provided by the DBPCFCs. For SPTs and specific IgE assays, we sought to determine the cutoff values required to exclude false-positive and false-negative results. RESULTS: According to DBPCFC results, 177 children were allergic to peanut, and 186 were not. The performance characteristics of the SPTs were superior with the raw extract because the negative predictive value was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 97.5-100). If the skin reaction with the raw extract was less than 3 mm, we could be quite certain that the child was not allergic. On the other hand, if the SPT resulted in a wheal diameter of larger than 3 mm, we could only be 74% certain that the children were allergic. Furthermore, if the SPT resulted in a wheal diameter of 16 mm or larger, we could be quite certain that the child was allergic because the positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI, 86.8-100). Specific IgE concentrations of 57 kU(A)/L or greater were associated with a positive predictive value of 100% (95% CI, 87.2-100). The combined use of the tests resulting in a positive diagnosis if the SPT result was 16 mm or larger or specific IgE concentration was 57 kU(A)/L or greater and in a negative diagnosis if the SPT result was less than 3 mm and the specific IgE concentration was less than 57 kU(A)/L allowed us to classify subjects with almost complete certainty as being allergic or not because the predictive values were 100%. CONCLUSION: Commercial extracts could not be used to reliably predict tolerance of peanut. Peanut DBPCFCs can be avoided when SPTs with raw extracts resulted in wheals with a largest diameter of less than 3 mm and a specific IgE concentration of less than 57 kU(A)/L and also when wheal diameters were 16 mm or larger or specific IgE values were 57 kU(A)/L or greater. Otherwise, DBPCFCs were indispensable for the unequivocal diagnosis of peanut allergy.

Adolescent↗

Peanut protein allergens: the effect of roasting on solubility and allergenicity.

BACKGROUND: A contributing factor to food allergen stability is heat resistance. Peanut allergens in particular are resistant to heat, which results in their decreased solubility upon routine extraction and may have a profound influence on their continued presence in the digestive tract. Although there have been a number of studies characterizing soluble extracts of raw and roasted proteins, the relative solubility of the insoluble material following routine extraction for residual allergen characterization has not been investigated. The effects of various treatments on the re-solubilization and subsequent allergenicity of this insoluble peanut protein material are presented here. METHODS: Various methods to resolubilize the insoluble protein material were used, including pH, proteases and glycosidases. Protease digestion of nonextractable peanut proteins with pepsin, chymotrypsin and trypsin was performed in appropriate buffers as previously optimized for peanut proteins. Glycosidase activity in the presence of protease inhibitors was performed at pH 2. Digested samples were then subjected to SDS-PAGE/Western blot analysis using serum IgE from peanut-sensitive individuals. RESULTS: Progressive roasting of peanuts resulted in a significant decrease in protein solubility. The acidic proteins were resolubilized moderately at high pH, with solubility decreasing as pH approached the pI of the protein. However, at pH 2 the solubility increased dramatically. More extensive resolubilzation was observed with amylase treatment, presumably due to cleavage of glycoside of glycoproteins. The protein released into solution had a high IgE-binding capacity. While amylase was effective at resolubilizing this material, digestive tract proteases were not. CONCLUSION: The presence of these insolubilized peanut proteins provides a continuous source of major allergens to the gastrointestinal mucosal immune system.

Allergens↗

Variation of iron, copper, free fatty acid content and lipoxygenase activity in peanut kernels subjected to various pretreatments and roasting.

Peanut kernels subjected to pretreatment including rehydration, blanching and dehydration, and untreated kernels were roasted at 160 degrees C for times ranging from 0 to 90 min. For both peanuts, the iron content in oil and specific lipoxygenase activity in defatted peanut flour decreased, free fatty acid content increased and copper content changed insignificantly with roasting time. Changes of iron content, lipoxygenase activity and free fatty acid content were more significant in untreated peanuts than in pretreated peanuts. At each roasting time, iron, copper and free fatty acid contents in the oils and lipoxygenase activities in the defatted flours prepared from untreated peanuts were higher than in the oils and flours prepared from pretreated peanuts.

Arachis↗

Performance Tested Method multiple laboratory validation study of ELISA-based assays for the detection of peanuts in food.

Performance Tested Method multiple laboratory validations for the detection of peanut protein in 4 different food matrixes were conducted under the auspices of the AOAC Research Institute. In this blind study, 3 commercially available ELISA test kits were validated: Neogen Veratox for Peanut, R-Biopharm RIDASCREEN FAST Peanut, and Tepnel BioKits for Peanut Assay. The food matrixes used were breakfast cereal, cookies, ice cream, and milk chocolate spiked at 0 and 5 ppm peanut. Analyses of the samples were conducted by laboratories representing industry and international and U.S governmental agencies. All 3 commercial test kits successfully identified spiked and peanut-free samples. The validation study required 60 analyses on test samples at the target level 5 microg peanut/g food and 60 analyses at a peanut-free level, which was designed to ensure that the lower 95% confidence limit for the sensitivity and specificity would not be <90%. The probability that a test sample contains an allergen given a prevalence rate of 5% and a positive test result using a single test kit analysis with 95% sensitivity and 95% specificity, which was demonstrated for these test kits, would be 50%. When 2 test kits are run simultaneously on all samples, the probability becomes 95%. It is therefore recommended that all field samples be analyzed with at least 2 of the validated kits.

Allergens↗