Press Releases
VICAM PRESENTS NEW TOMATO MOLD TEST TO INDUSTRY LEADERS
Test poised to become new tomato industry standard
WATERTOWN, MA (March 20, 2001) — VICAM, a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations, unveiled its new test for the quantification of mold present in tomatoes. VICAM executive Jim Cary met with growers and processors at the 54th Annual Meeting of the California Tomato Growers Association in February to discuss a new, rapid test kit that will improve tomato quality testing. MoldQuant-T™is a rapid assay test for measuring the total amount of mold present in raw and processed tomato products. Cary met with industry leaders to provide details about the new product as well as talk about the advantages of moving toward such an accurate standard for tomato quality testing. 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. Furthermore, VICAM provides tests for alpha-amylase in wheat and flour and has an additional line of separations technologies for their veterinary reproductive platform.
New Test Offers Several Advantages
Traditional methods to determine
the total amount of mold present in tomato products
use a microscope to visually detect contamination.
As Jim Cary spoke to the California Tomato Growers
Association, he emphasized the advantages of using
an accurate, objective assay for the measurement
of total mold. Cary said VICAM’s goal, in
developing MoldQuant-T, was to provide consistency
and accuracy at the three levels where testing
is important–grower, processor, and buyer.
VICAM’s mold assay was developed to provide a precise number correlating with the quality of the product. Use of traditional methods such as the Howard Mold Count can result in variable data when the same sample is tested by two or more lab technicians. Cary stressed that an important advantage of MoldQuant-T is reliable and consistent data, even between different operators. This will allow a uniform decision to be made about the product’s quality, ensuring proper payments to both growers and processors.
Dr. Barb Cohen, VICAM’s Vice President of Research and Development, has been working with researchers and industry leaders to ensure that the design of the new test meets their needs, both technically and practically. VICAM’s MoldQuant-T is simple enough to be used at all levels of production and processing while maintaining high standards of accuracy and precision. Upon USDA approval, MoldQuant-T is poised to become the industry standard of testing.
VICAM’s strategy was to develop a rapid test that would be beneficial to the grower, processor and final buyer. Cary stated, "We strove to develop a test that will offer consistency at all three levels–same test…same measuring stick…same numbers."
California Tomato Growers Association
The California Tomato Growers
Association (CTGA) is a grower owned-and-operated
association, with more than 50 years of experience
assisting the processing tomato industry. Established
in 1947, the CTGA provides support to growers in
the form of economic, public policy, and business
leadership. Dedicated to successful production,
marketing, and processing, the CTGA provided vital
help during the formation of the Process Tomato
Advisory Board (PTAB), whose function is to facilitate
standardized grading practices within the industry.
CTGA held its 54th Annual meeting in
February, 2001.
Availability and Pricing
Information on MoldQuant-T can 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.
Contact:
Jennifer Smith
Manager of Corporate Communications
VICAM
Tel: +1.617.926.7045
Fax: +1.617.923.8055