Allergenicity assessment Chapter IV

Allergenicity is defined in this chapter as the capacity to elicit an IgE immune response upon animal or human immunisation or exposure. All newly expressed proteins in genetically modified plants that could be present in the final food or feed destined for human or animal consumption should be assessed for their potential to cause allergic reactions. This should include consideration of whether a newly expressed protein is one to which certain individuals may already be sensitive as well as whether a protein new to the food supply carries the risk to cause allergic sensitisation and to induce allergic reactions in some individuals. The necessity to test for allergenicity of genetically modified organisms destined for animal consumption is supported by the possibility to find back the transgenic protein in animal-derived products for human consumption, such as milk or eggs.