search articles:     from the issue of September 9, 2004         Program creates tests to fight food allergens Tests developed by UNL food toxicologists that detect hidden allergens in foods are being developed commercially by the Neogen Corp. of Lansing, Mich. Susan Hefle is co-leader of UNL's Food Allergy Research and Resource Program, which has developed tests for almonds, eggs, peanuts and milk proteins. Neogen commercialized the almond and egg tests under a university licensing agreement. It also markets test kits for peanuts and milk proteins to food processors. The tests give processors quick, simple and accurate tools to check for traces of an allergenic food on manufacturing equipment or in food processed on shared equipment. Such cross-contamination is a major concern for food processors, Hefle said. The UNL-developed tests can be done by processing-plant workers in about 30 minutes. Before these tests were developed, processors often had to send samples to outside labs and wait several days for results. Awareness of food allergies has become increasingly important to consumers and companies. Food makers need reliable tools to ensure their products contain only ingredients listed on the label. Recalls can sully a company's name and cost millions in recall and legal expenses. Allergens ingested by susceptible people can be lethal. The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources team is an international leader in studying food allergies from a food industry perspective. The team works closely with industry, which helps researchers be sure they're tackling the most pressing allergy issues. Tests for other allergenic foods, including sesame, walnut, hazelnut, shrimp, pecans and soybeans, are in the works. Hefle's work in the field was recognized in 2004 when she was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the largest medical specialty organization in the United States that represents allergists, asthma specialists and allied health professionals and others with a special interest in researching and treating allergies. GO TO: ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 9 NEWS HEADLINES FOR SEPTEMBER 9 Year in Review 2003-2004 Looking to the Future: New People, New Facilities - Construction brightens landscape and buildings Research and Discovery - Biological center studies vaccines for botulinum, Valley Fever Service to Our State - UNL unites to help storm victims Student Successes - 12 earn the nation's biggest academic honors Teaching Faculty & Program Successes - Grant funds Fosse study, leads to D.C. Teaching, Faculty & Program Successes - New college focuses on families, education The University from a National View - UNL 100 years of Extension 2 honored for research, creativity Academy praises film Architecture chapter is best in the country Broadcasting senior claims 2nd forensics title Center assists food companies for 20 years Company helps track mad cow disease Conference tackles water, law conflicts Duo looks into social impacts of infertility Feedlot has room to grow Future lawyers win national contest Graduate earns 1st degree in culinology Hanson gains USDA teaching award Helping parents prepare for school J.D. Edwards students create cattle-tracking software Nebraska Lectures return Now on NET: HDTV NU gains a new president, other leaders for new year Program creates tests to fight food allergens Ritchie's work earns NU honors Savory joins Academy Scientists' beef research earns international prize Statistics expands Tularemia examined as a bioterror threat UNL continues to climb various U.S. rankings UNL is a home for all things Lewis and Clark Work studies our unique Sandhills Zeng's discoveries lead to fellowship 731833S33555X