In today’s food industry, allergen management is not just a compliance requirement — it’s a matter of consumer trust and public health. Among the “Big 9” food allergens identified by global food safety authorities, fish ranks high due to its potential to trigger severe allergic reactions even at trace levels.
The Proteon Fish Express, available through Vendart, is a game-changing tool that helps food producers, auditors, and laboratories verify in just 10 minutes whether food, water, or surfaces are contaminated with fish allergens. Fast, accurate, and equipment-free, it empowers teams to make immediate and informed decisions across the production line.
Why fish allergen detection is critical
Global prevalence: According to the World Allergy Organization, fish allergy affects around 0.2% to 0.6% of the population, with reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
High risk in cross-contact: In mixed-use facilities where fish and non-fish products are processed, even tiny residues can cause contamination.
Regulatory requirements:
In Australia, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) mandates that fish and fish products must be declared as allergens on food labels.
Globally, Codex Alimentarius and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) set strict allergen control expectations for producers and exporters.
Cost of recalls: A single allergen-related recall can cost food businesses millions, not just in logistics but in lost brand reputation.
For food producers, the ability to quickly detect fish allergens on-site is crucial for protecting consumers and maintaining compliance.
What is the Proteon Fish Express?
The Proteon Fish Express is a rapid immunochromatographic test strip designed for the specific detection of fish proteins (tropomyosin). With its portable, equipment-free format, it makes allergen detection accessible anywhere in the production chain.
Key features at a glance:
Assay time: 10 minutes.
Detection limit in food: 5 ppm.
Detection limit on surfaces: 6 μg.
Applications: Food products, rinse water, and working surfaces.
Users: Food industry operators, consultants, auditors, and laboratories.
How does it work?
The Proteon Fish Express uses an immunochromatographic assay in strip format:
A sample (food extract, rinse water, or swabbed surface) is applied to the test strip.
The strip contains antibodies that bind specifically to tropomyosin, the primary allergen in fish.
If tropomyosin is present, a visible line appears — a simple, visual result interpretable by any operator.
This non-competitive sandwich assay provides results without requiring additional reagents, readers, or laboratory equipment.
Advantages of Proteon Fish Express
Speed and efficiency
Results in 10 minutes allow for immediate decision-making — whether between production batches, during cleaning verification, or prior to releasing products to market.
Equipment-free testing
Unlike ELISA or PCR-based allergen testing, Proteon Fish Express requires no laboratory infrastructure. It is suitable for both large-scale facilities and smaller food businesses.
High sensitivity
With detection limits as low as 5 ppm in food and 6 μg on surfaces, it meets the sensitivity needs of global allergen control standards.
Versatile application
Food samples: Ensures raw materials and finished products are free from fish contamination.
Rinse water: Validates cleaning processes between product runs.
Surfaces: Detects insufficient cleaning on production lines, conveyors, and packaging stations.
Supports allergen risk management
By controlling critical points of contamination, the test supports HACCP systems, regulatory compliance, and customer-specific allergen control programs.
Practical use cases
Food manufacturers producing plant-based alternatives can verify that products labelled “fish-free” are safe for allergic consumers.
Shared facilities that process multiple product lines can test for residues between runs.
Auditors and consultants can use the kit during inspections to validate allergen management protocols.
Laboratories can deploy it as a rapid screening tool before more extensive confirmatory tests.
Comparison with traditional allergen testing methods
| Feature |
Proteon Fish Express |
ELISA |
PCR |
| Time to result |
10 minutes |
2–4 hours |
4–6 hours |
| Equipment required |
None |
Microplate reader |
Thermocycler |
| Operator expertise |
Minimal |
Skilled technician |
Skilled technician |
| Sensitivity |
5 ppm / 6 μg |
High |
Very high |
| Application |
On-site, immediate |
Laboratory-based |
Laboratory-based |
Proteon Fish Express is not a replacement for ELISA or PCR in confirmatory testing but is a powerful first-line tool for fast screening and operational decision-making.
Protecting brands and consumers
In an era where transparency and allergen safety drive consumer trust, the Proteon Fish Express enables companies to:
Avoid costly recalls by detecting risks before products leave the facility.
Ensure compliance with FSANZ and global allergen labelling requirements.
Safeguard consumer health, particularly those at risk of anaphylaxis.
Demonstrate due diligence during audits and certifications.
The Proteon Fish Express from Vendart is a rapid, reliable, and accessible solution for fish allergen detection. By delivering accurate results in just 10 minutes without the need for specialised equipment, it empowers food businesses to act immediately, reduce risks, and ensure consumer safety.
Whether you are a food manufacturer, consultant, or auditor, this allergen test kit is an essential tool for maintaining compliance, protecting brand reputation, and building consumer confidence in “fish-free”
products.For Further Enquiry Contact: sales@vendart.com.au
