Developed Inspection Method for "Cashew Nuts" Added to Specified Ingredients, Listed as an Inspection Method Notified by the Consumer Affairs Agency
House Foods Group has developed PCR and LC-MS/MS detection technologies for cashew nuts, a newly mandated allergen label. Kits are available via Fasmac from March 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 23:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 15:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 14:55 (287h 55m after Collected)
House Foods Group Inc. has developed PCR detection technology (*1) and LC-MS/MS detection technology (*2) for "cashew nuts", which have been added to specified raw materials due to the revision of the Food Labeling Standards in April 2026 (Reiwa 8). It was confirmed that the two developed inspection methods meet the evaluation criteria indicated in the government's "Guidelines for Evaluating Inspection Methods for Foods Containing Allergens", etc. Both technologies are listed in the Deputy Secretary General of the Consumer Affairs Agency's notification "Regarding the Partial Revision of 'Regarding Food Labeling Standards'" (Dated April 1, 2026, Syosyokuhyo No. 237) Attachment "Inspection Methods for Foods Containing Allergens", under "2.2.4. Real-time PCR Method" as "Cashew Nut - H Method", and "2.2.6. LC-MS/MS Method" as "Cashew Nut - HF Method", respectively.
*1 "PCR detection technology" refers to a detection technology that determines whether a target food is included by amplifying and detecting a DNA sequence peculiar to individual foods. PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction.
*2 "LC-MS/MS detection technology" refers to a detection technology that determines whether a target food is included by detecting a protein fragment (peptide) peculiar to individual foods. LC-MS/MS stands for Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
The developed technology can detect "cashew nuts" in processed foods with sufficient sensitivity. We believe that proper management of raw materials and manufacturing processes, along with appropriate food labeling based on inspection results, will help people with food allergies choose processed foods with peace of mind.
■ Points of the Technology
1. "Cashew Nut Qualitative Real-Time PCR Method" utilizing conventional PCR detection technology
House Foods Group has developed a qualitative real-time PCR method targeting cashew nut-specific DNA sequences, utilizing the knowledge cultivated in the previously developed food allergen PCR detection technologies for "wheat", "buckwheat", "peanuts", and "walnuts".
2. Development of "Cashew Nut Qualitative LC-MS/MS Method" paving the way for simultaneous multi-item analysis
The food allergen analysis method using LC-MS/MS has recently attracted attention as a technology capable of simultaneous multi-item analysis. House Foods Group has been working on the development of a simultaneous detection method using LC-MS/MS for "eggs", "milk", and "wheat". Utilizing this knowledge, we have developed a qualitative LC-MS/MS method targeting cashew nut-specific peptides.
An LC-MS/MS method, including this method, was listed for the first time in the "Inspection Methods for Foods Containing Allergens" attached to the Deputy Secretary General of the Consumer Affairs Agency's notification.
All of the developed inspection technologies will be sold as the following inspection kits by Fasmac Co., Ltd., the licensee.
・ Cashew Nut Qualitative Real-Time PCR Kit
Sales of the inspection kit began on March 5, 2026, so that inspections can be conducted prior to the mandatory labeling of "cashew nuts".
Qualitative Real-Time PCR Cashew Nut Detection Primer & Probe Set (Product Code: F927-1S, 2S)
Qualitative Real-Time PCR Wheat, Buckwheat, Peanut, Walnut, Cashew Nut Detection Plasmid Set (Product Code: F928-1S)
・ Cashew Nut Qualitative LC-MS/MS Kit
Sales will start sequentially as soon as preparations are complete.
In addition, House Foods Analytical Laboratory Inc. will also sequentially start contract analysis for the cashew nut qualitative real-time PCR method.
■ House Foods Group's Initiatives for Food Allergies
House Foods Group is promoting initiatives for food allergies to contribute to the realization of a society where people with food allergies and their families can choose food with peace of mind. Since around 1996, we have been working on PCR detection technology for food allergens for which there were no inspection methods at the time...
*1 "PCR detection technology" refers to a detection technology that determines whether a target food is included by amplifying and detecting a DNA sequence peculiar to individual foods. PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction.
*2 "LC-MS/MS detection technology" refers to a detection technology that determines whether a target food is included by detecting a protein fragment (peptide) peculiar to individual foods. LC-MS/MS stands for Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
The developed technology can detect "cashew nuts" in processed foods with sufficient sensitivity. We believe that proper management of raw materials and manufacturing processes, along with appropriate food labeling based on inspection results, will help people with food allergies choose processed foods with peace of mind.
■ Points of the Technology
1. "Cashew Nut Qualitative Real-Time PCR Method" utilizing conventional PCR detection technology
House Foods Group has developed a qualitative real-time PCR method targeting cashew nut-specific DNA sequences, utilizing the knowledge cultivated in the previously developed food allergen PCR detection technologies for "wheat", "buckwheat", "peanuts", and "walnuts".
2. Development of "Cashew Nut Qualitative LC-MS/MS Method" paving the way for simultaneous multi-item analysis
The food allergen analysis method using LC-MS/MS has recently attracted attention as a technology capable of simultaneous multi-item analysis. House Foods Group has been working on the development of a simultaneous detection method using LC-MS/MS for "eggs", "milk", and "wheat". Utilizing this knowledge, we have developed a qualitative LC-MS/MS method targeting cashew nut-specific peptides.
An LC-MS/MS method, including this method, was listed for the first time in the "Inspection Methods for Foods Containing Allergens" attached to the Deputy Secretary General of the Consumer Affairs Agency's notification.
All of the developed inspection technologies will be sold as the following inspection kits by Fasmac Co., Ltd., the licensee.
・ Cashew Nut Qualitative Real-Time PCR Kit
Sales of the inspection kit began on March 5, 2026, so that inspections can be conducted prior to the mandatory labeling of "cashew nuts".
Qualitative Real-Time PCR Cashew Nut Detection Primer & Probe Set (Product Code: F927-1S, 2S)
Qualitative Real-Time PCR Wheat, Buckwheat, Peanut, Walnut, Cashew Nut Detection Plasmid Set (Product Code: F928-1S)
・ Cashew Nut Qualitative LC-MS/MS Kit
Sales will start sequentially as soon as preparations are complete.
In addition, House Foods Analytical Laboratory Inc. will also sequentially start contract analysis for the cashew nut qualitative real-time PCR method.
■ House Foods Group's Initiatives for Food Allergies
House Foods Group is promoting initiatives for food allergies to contribute to the realization of a society where people with food allergies and their families can choose food with peace of mind. Since around 1996, we have been working on PCR detection technology for food allergens for which there were no inspection methods at the time...