Press Releases
OCHRATOXIN METHOD RECEIVES AOAC® INTERNATIONAL APPROVAL
VICAM immunoaffinity columns meet AOAC® specifications for ochratoxin testing
Watertown, MA (May 15, 2000) — VICAM, a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations, announced today that the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC®) INTERNATIONAL conferred Official MethodSM First Action status on the method "Determination of Ochratoxin in a Roasted Coffee by HPLC." VICAM’s immunoaffinity column, OchraTest™, can be used with this AOAC® Official Method for the detection of ochratoxin. 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.
About AOAC®
The Association of Official Analytical Chemists
(AOAC® INTERNATIONAL) is a hundred-year-old,
independent organization of analytical scientists with members throughout
the world. The association is dedicated to the development and validation
of methods in analytical sciences and improving laboratory quality
assurance procedures. AOAC® INTERNATIONAL
provides validated methods, proficiency test samples, accreditation
criteria, and scientific information to industry, government agencies,
and academic institutions. Currently, AOAC® has
member scientists from over 90 countries.
The AOAC® Official
Methods Program
The AOAC® Official
Methods Program validates methods of analysis using tested performance
characteristics. Methods proposed for validation are tested in separate,
independent laboratories under identical conditions. Proposed methods
are checked for characteristics such as accuracy, repeatability, sensitivity,
range, specificity, ruggedness, limit of measurement, practicality,
and similar attributes in typical laboratory application. Validated
AOAC® Official Methods are used
by regulatory agencies, regulated industries, product testing laboratories,
and academic institutions to support research, maintain quality control
and process requirements, conduct national and international trade,
and set and evaluate compliance with terms of procurement contracts.
The AOAC® Official Methods program
is authoritatively recognized worldwide as a thorough, rigorous testing
and characterization program. Numerous national and international standards
organizations adopt AOAC® Official
Methods.
About Ochratoxin
Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus
ochraceous and also by several species of Penicillium fungi.
Frequently found in green coffee, ochratoxin A will remain present
even after the roasting process. Ochratoxin A is also commonly found
in barley, oats, wheat, sorghum, rice, and figs. Ochratoxin A has been
known to cause kidney damage in animals and is a known carcinogen for
both humans and animals.
Advantages of OchraTest
OchraTest is safe and simple. Using monoclonal
affinity chromatography, OchraTest from VICAM is the only test for
the detection of ochratoxin that produces precise numerical results
in less than ten minutes and requires no special skills. OchraTest
is sensitive, simple, and rapid for testing at parts per billion levels.
OchraTest is also ideal as the cleanup step for any HPLC analysis.
Availability and Pricing
Orders are currently being accepted for OchraTest
and pricing information may be obtained by contacting VICAM or your
local distributor. OchraTest is also available for use with fluorometric
methods.
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.
Contact:
Jennifer Smith
Manager of Corporate Communications
VICAM
Tel: +1.617.926.7045
Fax: +1.617.923.8055