Press Releases
AOAC® APPROVAL AWARDED FOR FUMONISIN METHOD
VICAM Immunoaffinity Columns Approved for Use in Determining Fumonisin
WATERTOWN, MA (January 15, 2001) — VICAM, a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations, announced today that AOAC® (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) INTERNATIONAL conferred Official MethodSM First Action status on the method "Determination of Fumonisins B1 and B2 in Corn Flour and Corn Flakes by Liquid Chromatography with Immunoaffinity Column Clean-up." This method for the determination of fumonisin is performed utilizing VICAM’s immunoaffinity column, FumoniTest HPLC™. 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 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 Fumonisin
Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by the fungus Fusarium moniliforme. F.
moniliforme is a frequent, almost universal inhabitant of corn. Fumonisin
B1 and fumonisin B2 are present
in most corn samples tested, often at greater than 1 ppm. Fumonisin is
thought to cause equine leukoencephalomalacia in horses, swine pulmonary
edema, and human esophageal cancer. The FDA/USDA Working Group on Fumonisin
advises less than 5 ppm in horse feed, less than 10 ppm for swine feed,
and less than 50 ppm for cattle feed.
Advantages of FumoniTest
FumoniTest can be performed in less than 15 minutes and requires no special
skills. FumoniTest uses monoclonal affinity chromatography to produce
precise numerical results while testing at parts per million levels.
It detects levels of fumonisin as low as 0.016 ppm (HPLC method.)
FumoniTest is also ideal as the cleanup step for any HPLC analysis
for precise results in parts per billion. VICAM’s FumoniTest
is rapid, sensitive, convenient, and has a long shelf life.
Availability and Pricing
Orders are currently being accepted for FumoniTest
and pricing information may be obtained by contacting VICAM or your local
distributor. FumoniTest 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