European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies on a request from the Commission related to a notification from WFA and AWRI on casein and potassium caseinate used in the manufacture of wine pursuant to Article 6 paragraph 11 of Directive 2000/13/EC - for permanent exemption from labelling

Question number: EFSA-Q-2006-152

Summary  (0.1Mb)

Opinion  (0.1Mb)

Summary

The prevalence of allergic reactions to milk proteins and particularly to casein among the general population of adults has been reported to be around 1%. The applicant provides information regarding casein and potassium caseinate used in the manufacture of wine in accordance with specifications that are commonly required for use in food industry. Detailed information is provided on manufacturing processes and on the detection/quantification of residual amounts of casein in the final wines. A history of safe use with regard to allergic reactions is claimed by the applicant. However, evidence for this claim is limited and adverse reactions due to the presence of milk protein (e.g. casein) residues in wine may be under-reported. 

The analytical data presented regarding the presence of casein in fined wines are inconclusive.

The sensitivity and specificity of cell-based laboratory tests used to detect casein in wine were not sufficient to draw conclusions. Clinical studies including double blind placebo controlled food challenges only included one milk allergic patient, who presented a mild adverse reaction when challenged with milk fined wines.  

Considering the information provided, the Panel considers that wines fined with casein or potassium caseinate may trigger adverse reactions in susceptible individuals under the conditions of use stated by the applicant