A two-site monoclonal antibody immunochromatography assay for rapid detection of peanut allergen Ara h1 in Chinese imported and exported foods

Food allergen labeling has not yet been implemented in China. Therefore, a gold immunochromatography assay (GICA) was developed using two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against the peanut allergen Ara h1. The GICA was specific for standard peanut samples with a sensitivity of 10 ng/ml. Peanut protein traces extracted from 124 food products imported and exported by China Customs were easily and rapidly detected by GICA. 68 food samples originally labeled as containing peanuts were positive for Ara h1 and 54 food samples labeled as not containing peanuts were negative for Ara h1, indicating that the labels from the manufacturers were accurate. However, 2 food samples labeled as not containing peanuts tested positive for Ara h1. The present GICA provides a fast, simple, semi-quantitative method for the determination of peanut allergens in foods. This detection system can be used to ensure the safety of food imported and exported by China Customs.