For people who need to avoid gluten, knowing whether a food or beverage is safe can be tricky. Scientists in Taiwan have now developed a fast, portable test that can detect gluten in food and beverages in under three minutes. LEO — Lateral Flow Enhanced by Optical Imaging — is a new portable gluten detection system designed to deliver laboratory-level precision in everyday settings. Studies have shown that the test correctly identified gluten levels about 98% of the time. In practical use, LEO can identify gluten levels well below the FDA’s 20 ppm safety threshold. The LEOMyFood mobile app provides instant analysis and record-keeping. The portability and simplicity of the system make it suitable not only for personal use, but also for clinical, industrial and regulatory applications. This has significant implications given that food allergies — including wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, milk and shellfish — affect millions worldwide, contributing to healthcare costs estimated at $25 billion annually. By empowering individuals to verify gluten safety quickly and reliably, this technology helps restore confidence in eating out and enhances quality of life for those living with gluten sensitivity.
