Abstract β-lactoglobulin (β-lg), the main whey protein fraction in bovine milk, is one of the first antigens encountered by a newborn child, and it is the major allergen causing cow's milk allergy. High pressure (HP) treatment causes changes in the protein structure and may influence the antigenity of β-lg. Whey protein isolate solution (WPI), sweet whey and raw skim milk were pressurized and the antigenic response of bovine β-lg was analysed by means of an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, the degree of denaturation of β-lg was determined by means of high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The different solutions containing β-lg were pressurized at 200, 400 and 600 MPa for 0, 10 and 30 min at temperatures between 30 °C to 68 °C. In all solutions, the antigenity of β-lg increased with increasing pressure and with holding time. In combination with thermal treatment (40, 50 °C), the antigenity of β-lg increased, but higher temperatures (60, 68 °C) caused a decrease of the antigenity of β-lg, but the initial value was not reached. The measured increase in degree of denaturation did not correlate with the antigenity of β-lg. Industrial relevance Although a lot of research activities have been and are been carried out on high pressure effects regarding inactivation of microorganisms and enzymes as well as on denaturation of proteins, little is known about the impact of high pressure processing on the allergenic potential treated products. This work is essential because it deals with a globular whey protein found in ruminants and being responsible for allergenic reactions in children. The data presented are not yet conclusive. However, they manifest the need for systematic work on the subject of emerging technologies and allergens. Since high pressure homogensation of milk at approx. 350 to 400 MPa is currently being developed, not only the impact of hydrostatic pressure and temperature but also the combination with mechanical forces ocuring during homogenisation need to be investigated in depth to assure successful product and process developments.