AsureQuality has introduced a new real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) testing capability for the detection and quantification of fish DNA.
Fish is recognised as a major food allergen under food-labelling regulations in New Zealand and many other jurisdictions. Sensitive, specific and reliable analytical approaches can help verify the presence or absence of fish-derived material and support appropriate allergen declarations.
This testing capability can support:
- Allergen risk management – identify the presence of fish-derived material in complex food matrices.
- Verification of label claims – support appropriate allergen declarations.
- Investigation of cross-contact – identify potential allergen contamination or undeclared fish ingredients.
- Regulatory compliance – provide analytical testing to support regulatory requirements.
The method is suitable for products including dairy powders, nutritional formulations and other processed foods.
How does the testing work?
The SureFood® ALLERGEN Fish assay uses real-time PCR (qPCR) to detect specific fish DNA sequences.
Although allergic reactions are triggered by fish proteins such as parvalbumin, DNA serves as a stable analytical marker for the presence of fish tissue and can be used as an indirect indicator of potential allergen contamination or undeclared fish ingredients.
The method supports qualitative detection and, when used with appropriate standards, quantitative detection of fish DNA in homogeneous samples.
For full information about the new test method pleas click here.
Next steps
The new testing service will be available from 1 October 2026.
If your organisation would like to use this testing capability, our team is ready to support you.