Gouda cheese is a hard rennet cheese made from whole cow's milk, which is highly popular among consumers. The test determines the level of sensitization to cheese proteins, particularly casein, the main allergenic component.
Hypersensitivity to Gouda cheese is found in approximately 13% of adult patients with food allergies. Allergic reactions may be caused by cheese proteins, especially casein, as well as food additives. Pseudoallergic reactions can occur due to elevated levels of histamine and biogenic amines such as tyramine, causing symptoms similar to allergy, including rash, swelling, bronchial obstruction, gastrointestinal disturbances, increased blood pressure, and migraine-like headaches.
Gouda cheese is not recommended during exacerbation of the underlying disease, even if the patient is not sensitized directly to it or dairy products.
FEIA (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay) using ImmunoCAP (Solid-phase Immunofluorescence) – quantitative determination of sensitization.
Please note that the research method and reference values may vary depending on the equipment and test systems used.