This document provides the overall framework for detection of sequences corresponding to species containing allergens using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It relates to the requirements for the specific amplification of target nucleic acid sequences (DNA) and for the confirmation of the identity of the amplified nucleic acid sequence. Guidelines, minimum requirements and performance criteria laid down in this document are intended to ensure that comparable and reproducible results are obtained in different laboratories. This document has been established for food matrices.