Food Protection Trends - December 2008 - 946

INDuSTRY PRODuCTS World’s First Ever Simultaneous Same-Day Dual Test for E. coli O157 and Salmonella Launched by Matrix MicroScience M atrix MicroScience has announced the launch of its new simultaneous same-day (8 h) dual test for E. coli O157 and Salmonella in raw ground beef and produce. The Pathatrix® same-day “dual” test is unique in that it can simultaneously detect the presence of low levels 1–10 CFU/sample in eight hours. The high volume of sample that the Pathatrix® can analyze is the key to this approach coupled to the use of highly specific antibody coated beads. Pathatrix® is the only commercially available system that can analyze 100% of the sample! The benefits of the same-day dual test for E. coli O157 and Salmonella are as follows: • Uses a single non-proprietary enrichment broth leading to significant savings in labor and media • Can be completed within 8 hours when coupled to realtime PCR • Can be done individually or in a “5 Pooled” format • Sensitivity of 1–10 CFU per sample of both organisms in raw ground beef and raw produce. For the first time the Pathatrix® dual test can make positive release a realistic option for food processors in the produce and beef industries, by giving a true < 8 hour turnaround in results. Dr. Adrian Parton, CEO of Matrix MicroScience said, “The release of the dual Salmonella and E. coli O157 test targeted at the raw ground beef and produce industries represents a revolution in microbial diagnostics. It is further evidence of the commitment to our customers and to the industry to provide them with better diagnostic products.” Matrix MicroScience Ltd. 303.277.9613 Golden, CO www.matrixmsci.com New Highly Sensitive AgraQuant® ELISA Test Kit for Dairy Products from Romer Labs omer Labs® proudly launches a new, highly sensitive Agra Quant® ELISA test kit that has been designed to meet the coming regulatory limits for melamine in food products. The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have both concluded that the level of melamine in food products, other than baby food, should not exceed 2.5 mg/kg. Hong Kong has set its maximum concentration limit for melamine in baby food at 1.0 mg/kg, and 2.5 mg/kg for other foods. Romer Labs® new AgraQuant® Melamine Sensitive immunoassay has been validated for dairy products such as milk, milk powder, yogurt and yogurt drinks. The test’s quantitation range for milk, yogurt and yogurt drinks is 0.1–5.0 mg/kg, and 0.5–25.0 mg/kg for milk powder. Melamine, a nitrogen-rich chemical normally used in plastics, has been widely used in China to give livestock feed the appearance of higher protein content. Most recently involved in the deaths of at least 3 and illnesses of more than 6,200 babies in China when illegally used to disguise the protein content in baby milk formulas, melamine first made the headlines last year when it was found as an additive in the pet food that caused the deaths of dogs and cats in the US. Melamine by itself is nontoxic in low doses, but when combined with cyanuric acid it can cause fatal kidney stones. Romer Labs® Group 636.583.8600 Union, MO www.romerlabs.com R Vacci-Test Demonstrates the First Same-Shift Test for E. coli O157:H7 ith food safety top of mind for consumers and the food industry, Vacci-Test Corporation (“Vacci-Test”) is pleased to announce that its first food safety test, FoodChek™-E. coli, has successfully completed a field trial at a major meat packaging facility and has shown that it can accurately test for E. coli O157:H7 in less than 6 hours, including enrichment. FoodChek™E. coli is a revolutionary new sameshift test that is rapid, accurate and cost effective. FoodChek™-E. coli is a breakthrough solution for meatprocessors enabling them to deliver high quality and safe products to consumers. FoodChek™-E. coli uses magnetic nanotechnology and a proprietary, inexpensive and easy-to-use magnetic reader that provides a very sensitive, specific and quantitative test result. The field trial was conducted at Vantage Foods Inc., a leading processor of retail ready fresh meats, at their facility in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Mr. Gary Haley, president and CEO of Vantage Foods stated, “We are pleased to have been able to work with Vacci-Test in field test- W Be sure to mention, “I read about it in Food Protection Trends”! 946 FOOD PROTECTION TRENDS | DECEMBER 2008

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Food Protection Trends - December 2008

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