R-Biopharm’s gluten test kit given AOAC approval

R-Biopharm’s RIDASCREEN Gliadin Competitive ELISA has gained AOAC International Official First Action method approval.

The test detects and quantifies partially hydrolyzed gluten in foods.

The AOAC adopted the method “Partially Hydrolyzed Gluten in Fermented Cereal-Based Products by R5 Competitive ELISA,” based on a specific monoclonal antibody to potentially celiac toxic peptide fragments, said the firm.

The RIDASCREEN Gliadin Competitive uses the Codex Alimentarius (Codex Standard 118-1979 (2008)) recommended “R5” gliadin antibody, which R-Biopharm said is generally accepted as the standard method for detection of gluten in foods.

Gluten consists of two groups of proteins (prolamines and glutelins) present in wheat, barley, and rye. Prolamins such as gliadin have been identified as cause for gluten intolerance (celiac disease).

Limit of detection is 1.36 mg Gliadin / kg food and limit of quantification is 5 mg Gliadin / kg food.

Kurt Johnson, president and general manager of R-Biopharm, said receiving the status by AOAC is recognition of its ongoing efforts to produce methods to protect consumers’ health.

“In particular with respect to those with celiac disease, we are pleased to enable gluten free food producers to manufacture according to the highest quality assurance methods.”