# Research gaps and future needs for allergen prediction in food safety

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the need to update allergen prediction methods in food safety to keep up with modern food technologies and new protein sources.

## Contribution

The paper prioritizes development needs for allergenicity risk assessments and emphasizes the need for international consensus and improved methodologies.

## Key findings

- Current allergenicity assessment approaches are outdated and need revision to address new food technologies.
- A fit-for-purpose database and clearer purpose for allergenicity assessments are critical for future improvements.
- International agreement on allergenicity assessment goals will help develop more reliable methodologies.

## Abstract

The allergenicity and protein risk assessments in food safety are facing new challenges. Demands for healthier and more sustainable food systems have led to significant advances in biotechnology, the development of more complex foods, and the search for alternative protein sources. All this has increased the pressure on the safety assessment prediction approaches anchored into requirements defined in the late 90's. In 2022, the EFSA's Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms published a scientific opinion focusing on the developments needed for allergenicity and protein safety assessments of new products derived from biotechnology. Here, we further elaborate on the main elements described in this scientific opinion and prioritize those development needs requiring critical attention. The starting point of any new recommendation would require a focus on clinical relevance and the development of a fit-for-purpose database targeted for specific risk assessment goals. Furthermore, it is imperative to review and clarify the main purpose of the allergenicity risk assessment. An internationally agreed consensus on the overall purpose of allergenicity risk assessment will accelerate the development of fit-for-purpose methodologies, where the role of exposure should be better clarified. Considering the experience gained over the last 25 years and recent scientific developments in the fields of biotechnology, allergy, and risk assessment, it is time to revise and improve the allergenicity safety assessment to ensure the reliability of allergenicity assessments for food of the future.