Did you know the presence of food allergenic proteins is one of the main reasons for recalls costing companies millions of dollars annually? Be sure you have not only a rigorous supplier verification plan, but also a robust environmental monitoring and sanitation plan as well.  

Partner with a trusted third party ISO 17025 accredited laboratory for product and surface testing. Our network of laboratories provide innovation, agility, individualized service, and a commitment to the highest standards of scientific excellence to our partners in the food industry. We offer the latest and most trusted technology and methods for determining gluten in a variety of simple to very complex matrices. Let us help you meet your labeling requirements and above all, protect your brand. 

Allergen Testing Services – SFDA Compliant in Saudi Arabia
At our laboratory in KSA, we provide accurate, reliable, and SFDA-aligned allergen testing to help food manufacturers, importers, exporters, and food service businesses meet regulatory requirements and protect consumer safety.

Why Allergen Testing Matters in KSA
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) mandates clear declaration of allergens on food labels and menus to prevent allergic reactions. Our testing services support compliance with SFDA standards and GCC GSO regulations (e.g., GSO 9/2013 and SFDA.FD 56/2018), ensuring your products are safe for the Saudi market.
Major Allergens Requiring Declaration (SFDA/GCC)
We test for the following priority allergens:
Cereals containing gluten (wheat, barley, rye, etc.)
Crustaceans and crustacean products
Eggs and egg products
Fish and fish products
Peanuts and peanut products
Soybeans and soybean products
Milk and dairy products (including lactose)
Tree nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, etc.)
Sulphites (≥ 10 mg/kg)
Additional allergens: Sesame seeds, celery, mustard, mollusks, and lupine
Our Advanced Allergen Testing Methods
We use internationally validated and highly sensitive techniques in our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory:
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Quantitative detection of specific allergenic proteins – ideal for routine testing and “free-from” claim validation.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): DNA-based detection, especially useful for processed foods.
Lateral Flow Devices (LFD): Rapid screening for on-site or quick verification.
LC-MS/MS: Confirmatory multi-allergen analysis for complex matrices.
Testing Scope Includes:
Raw materials and ingredients
Finished food products
Environmental swabs and rinse water (cross-contamination control)
Cleaning validation as part of your HACCP or allergen management plan
Benefits of Partnering With Us
Full compliance with SFDA import and market authorization requirements
Reliable test reports accepted for SFDA Food Consignment Certification
Support for accurate labeling and menu declarations
Risk reduction against costly recalls and consumer health issues
Fast turnaround times with competitive pricing

Our Commitment
Our laboratory follows strict quality protocols and stays updated with the latest SFDA and GSO guidelines. Whether you need batch release testing, validation of allergen-free claims, or ongoing monitoring, we deliver trustworthy results you can depend on.

Eight percent of children under age 5 and four percent of adults are allergic to food1. Food allergies trigger immune system responses that can have severe consequences, even in the presence of small amounts of an allergen. For individuals with food allergies, avoiding allergens entirely is crucial, making accurate food testing and labeling by manufacturers essential. The correct identification of allergens ensures consumer safety and prevents life-threatening reactions.  

The “Big 8” Allergens 
Although more than 160 foods can cause allergic reactions, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) identified eight principal food allergens4, collectively known as the “Big 8" allergens. These account for 90% of allergic reactions to food: 

• Milk 
• Eggs 
• Fish 
  Shellfish 
• Tree nuts 
• Peanuts 
• Wheat 
• Soybean 

The “Big 8” Becomes the “Big 9” Allergens 
In 2021, the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act recognized sesame as a major food allergen, expanding the "Big 8" allergens list to the "Big 9." As of January 1, 2023, manufacturers must label products containing sesame to comply with federal regulations5.
 
Tree Nut Allergen Classification and Updates 
In 2025, the FDA issued a final guidance for industry on the food allergen labeling requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (edition 5)6. This revision identifies the listing of tree nuts that the FDA considers as major food allergens. This includes: 

• Almond 
• Black walnut 
• Brazil nut 
• California walnut 
• Cashew 
• Filbert/Hazelnut 
• Heartnut/Japanese walnut 
• Macadamia nut/Bush nut 
• Pecan 
• Pine nut/Pinon nut 
• Pistachio 
• Walnut 

Food Safety Labeling Requirements 
All packaged foods and dietary supplements regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act labeled after January 1, 2006, must comply with FALCPA's food allergen labeling requirements4. Key regulations include: 

• Manufacturers must identify the name of the allergen source on the label of foods or ingredients that contain a "major food allergen." 
• If an ingredient name does not explicitly indicate the allergen, manufacturers must provide clarification to cite the name of the food source (e.g., “flour (wheat)”).  
• The "Contains" statement on the label must include the word "Contains," followed by the names of all major allergens in the product. For example, "Contains wheat, milk, and eggs." 
• For nuts, fish, and crustaceans, the specific type or species must be specified. 

It's important to note that manufacturers do not have to declare a spice, color, or flavoring that is not a major allergen. Also, manufacturers can label ingredients that are not major allergens using their common or usual name without specifying the allergen source.   
 
Food Allergens and FSMA Compliance 
The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) reinforces the importance of food allergen control. FSMA mandates that food facilities implement food safety plans to prevent or minimize risks associated with foodborne hazards, including: 

• Food allergen controls – documented procedures for controlling allergen cross-contamination and ensure adequate labeling. 
• Sanitization controls – processes to maintain sanitary conditions to reduce allergen contamination risks. 
• Written recall plan – clear steps that the manufacturer will take if an allergen is identified. 

FSMA strengthens food safety standards, ensuring consumer protection and reducing health risks associated with allergen exposure. The proposed Food Traceability Rule further enhances food safety by requiring record-keeping for Critical Tracking Events (CTEs)7. 
 
Allergen Testing and Labeling for the Big 9 Allergens and Beyond 
Given the serious health implications of allergen exposure, manufacturers must implement rigorous allergen testing and labeling practices. Food production facilities often handle multiple ingredients, increasing the risk of cross-contact. Comprehensive product testing is crucial to: 

• Identify all potential allergens present. 
• Detect cross-contamination sources. 
• Validate cleaning and equipment changeover procedures. 

At Eurofins, we provide industry-leading consulting, auditing, and testing services to help manufacturers comply with U.S. allergen labeling laws. Our expertise covers testing for the Big 9 allergens and additional allergen targets relevant outside the U.S.  

Contact us today to ensure your food products meet federal allergen safety standards while keeping your consumers safe!

Ready to ensure SFDA compliance?
Contact our team in Dammam today for a quote or consultation on your specific allergen testing needs.
📍 Location: Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia