Applicability of a real-time PCR system to verify labelling compliance of nut allergens in chocolates

Background Chocolate is probably one of the most appreciated food products all over the world. However, for allergic individuals to tree nut ingredients, the enjoyment of a simple milk or black chocolate is denied owing to the excessive use of precautionary labelling practiced by the food industry. Thus, it is of utmost importance the development of accurate analytical methodologies to verify labelling compliance and to contribute for a better control of cross-contamination occurrences during food processing. This work intended to demonstrate the applicability of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect and quantify hazelnut in commercial chocolates.