Press Releases
VICAM ANNOUNCES SINGLE TEST FOR BOTH AFLATOXIN AND OCHRATOXIN
Single Column Gives Precise Numerical Results for Both Toxins
Watertown, MA (March 1, 1999) — VICAM, a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations, has introduced a new HPLC test product for the determination of aflatoxin and ochratoxin. This new test, AflaOchra HPLC™ , further demonstrates VICAM’s leadership and depth in the mycotoxin testing marketplace. VICAM prides itself on developing rapid, accurate, easy-to-use tests which give precise numerical results. VICAM is known internationally for its rapid mycotoxin and microbiological testing systems for the food and feed industries. VICAM also provides tests for mold in fruits and vegetables and tests for alpha-amylase in wheat and flour. VICAM has an additional line of separations technologies for their veterinary reproductive platform.
Dr. Barb Cohen, Vice President of Research & Development explains, "As regulations are being put into place worldwide for an increasing number of mycotoxins in food, there is a growing demand for tests that can measure the levels of more than one toxin simultaneously. AflaOchra HPLC meets this requirement by offering the concurrent detection of two important mycotoxins, aflatoxin and ochratoxin, resulting in significant time savings, without compromising the sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability associated with VICAM’s AflaTest® and OchraTest™."
About Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin
Aflatoxin, a toxin from a naturally occurring
mold, is a Group 1 carcinogen proven to cause cancer in humans. Throughout
the world, there are significant regulations on the presence of aflatoxins
in food. The European Commission has action levels for aflatoxin in groundnuts,
nuts, dried fruit, and cereals intended for direct human consumption
or for ingredients in foodstuffs. These action levels are 4 ppb total
aflatoxin and 2 ppb for aflatoxin B1.
Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus ochraceous and also by several species of Penicillium. Ochratoxin A has been known to cause kidney damage in animals and is a suspected carcinogen.
Advantages of AflaOchra HPLC
AflaOchra HPLC is the only test
that employs a single column to produce precise
numerical results in determining both aflatoxin
and ochratoxin. Using monoclonal affinity chromatography,
AflaOchra HPLC can isolate aflatoxins B1,
B2, G1 and
G2 from grain, food, feed
and nuts and ochratoxin A and its stereoisomer
from coffee, beer, grain and feed. AflaOchra HPLC
is based on the same technology that has already
been approved by AOAC and FGIS for VICAM’s
widely-used AflaTest®. It is safe,
simple, and rapid. AflaOchra HPLC is the ideal
cleanup step for any HPLC analysis. In fact, no
other test comes close for speed, quantification
and economy.
Availability and Pricing
Orders are currently being accepted for AflaOchra
HPLC and pricing information may be obtained by contacting VICAM or
your local distributor.
About VICAM
VICAM is a world leader in agricultural biotechnology
and bioseparations. VICAM delivers improved animal reproductivity,
increased agricultural productivity, and safeguarded food quality with
patented bioseparations and detection products worldwide. Their products
include detection, measurement, and separations technologies for veterinary
reproductive applications, foodborne carcinogens, and living cells.
To date, VICAM has applied its technologies to 18 products and 3 prototypes.
VICAM supports a global scientific and distribution presence to develop,
market, sell, and service their products in 98 countries worldwide.
For more information, contact Jennifer Smith at VICAM, 313 Pleasant
Street, Watertown, MA 02472 U.S.A.
All VICAM products are protected by worldwide patents
and trademarks.
Note: Document amended to include current product
offerings and current distribution information.
Contact:
Jennifer Smith
Manager of Corporate Communications
VICAM
Tel: +1.617.926.7045
Fax: +1.617.923.8055