A new portable device can detect food allergies or gluten directly in a meal with laboratory-level precision.
Unveiled by Allergen Alert, it enables people with food allergies or coeliac disease to test their food autonomously, wherever they are.
Unlike barcode scanners or apps attempting to interpret a photo of a dish, this pocket-sized mini-lab relies on a patented, single-use pouch derived from bioMérieux’s laboratory technologies, which miniaturises and automates every step of a professional analytical test.
The new device provides a simple, reliable, and accessible preventive solution to a major public-health challenge, marking an era in which enjoying a meal can finally mean inclusion and peace of mind.
Food allergies: An invisible threat at every meal
Food allergies are a growing public-health concern. 250 million people worldwide live with food allergies, and someone is admitted to the ER for a food allergy every ten seconds.
In the US alone, 9% of the population (33 million people) is affected, with an additional 1% living with celiac disease.
Beyond the numbers lies a deeper reality: the fear of a mistake, a trace amount, or accidental contact weighs on everyday life and social interactions. Most severe reactions occur outside the home, where people have less control over what is on their plate.
Laboratory-grade technology for safer meals
Allergen Alert’s device represents a major breakthrough for people with food allergies or coeliac disease.
Beyond ingredient lists, labels, and conversations with restaurant staff, it provides users with an additional, innovative layer of protection powered by qualitative data.
Anyone can now test their own meal, in real conditions and right before eating, using immunoassay technology that has until now been reserved for professional laboratories.
It works by:
- Collecting a food sample
- Inserting the single-use pouch into the device
- Pressing the button to start the analysis for a clear result in minutes
In practical terms, Allergen Alert is a portable, lightweight, battery-powered device that analyses a calibrated, representative food sample placed inside a single-use pouch. Within minutes, the result clearly indicates whether an allergen or gluten is present.
Broader applications: From homes to kitchens
While the device was created to meet the needs of people with food allergies, its potential extends far beyond individual use.
It can also be used in highly demanding environments, including Michelin-starred restaurants. The startup is also in advanced discussions with major corporate and school catering providers, as well as world-renowned event-catering services.
The device has the potential to become a key allergy prevention tool for food-service professionals, a driver of transparency policies, and a bridge of trust between consumers and the industry.
Thanks to automated sample preparation, future applications could extend well beyond allergens, including broader food analysis, water testing, environmental monitoring, and more.
