Assessment of the reduced allergenic properties of the Santana apple

Background: Approximately 2% of the Northern and Central European population is allergic to apples. Because of symptoms of oral allergy syndrome, many individuals avoid eating fresh apples. A strategy to allow apple allergic individuals to eat apples is the development of hypoallergenic apple varieties. Objective: To investigate the allergenicity of a putatively hypoallergenic apple cultivar, the Santana apple, on apple allergic individuals using a method of challenge in which loss of allergenicity is minimized. Methods: The study population consisted of 15 apple allergic individuals, who underwent an open oral challenge with 3 different apple cultivars: Santana, Golden Delicious, and Topaz. Food challenges were performed between February I and May 31. 2005, during the birch tree pollen season. Sensory perception during challenges was minimized by use of a blindfold and nose clip and randomization of challenge order. Subjective symptoms were scored by a visual analog scale. Results: After challenge with the Santana apple, 8 of 15 study participants (53%) developed no symptoms, which was a significantly greater proportion than after challenge with the Topaz apple (1 participant) and Golden Delicious apple (1 participant) (P = .002). The visual analog scale scores for the Santana apple (dose 1) were significantly lower than that for the Golden Delicious and Topaz apples. A total of 73% of the participants stated they would eat Santana apples in the future. Conclusion: The Santana apple caused significantly fewer allergic symptoms in apple allergic individuals than the Golden Delicious and Topaz apples. The Santana apple may be a good choice for most apple allergic individuals who want to eat apples. This conclusion may not apply to apple allergic individuals with severe symptoms after apple consumption.