Press Releases
VICAM ANNOUNCES USDA-GIPSA APPROVAL FOR DON TEST KIT
Approval paves way for widespread usage, affords additional access to trusted mycotoxin brand
WATERTOWN, MA (July 26, 2002) –– VICAM, a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations, has introduced a new fluorometer-based test product for deoxynivalenol (DON). This new quantitative test, DON FQ™, has been approved by the USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) for use with wheat, barley, corn, oats and malted barley. VICAM prides itself on providing 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 DON
Deoxynivalenol (DON), also called vomitoxin, demonstrates its impact
on the livestock industry through interference with animal growth and
acceptance of feed. DON has been implicated in moldy corn toxicosis
of swine and may play a role in the human disease alimentary toxic
aleukia. In this disease, impaired immune function, hemorrhage and
digestive disorders are among the symptoms. Because of concerns about
DON, many customers require levels of less than 2 ppm for animal feed
and 1 ppm for commodities destined for human consumption. In terms
of its incidence, Dr. Barb Cohen, Vice President of Research and Development
at VICAM, explains, “DON is often present along with other mycotoxins
and has been isolated from grains and feeds throughout most of the
world.”
Dr. Terry Mabbett, a consultant in animal production based in the UK, speaks to the way climatic changes have influenced the prevalence of DON. “With the increasing unpredictability of seasonal weather patterns and the occurrence of DON in both wheat and corn in an increasingly wider geographic region, more regular testing is the order of the day. The new on-site testing capability for rapid measurement offers the speed, accuracy, and versatility the feed industry needs.”
About DON FQ
DON FQ uses solid phase column chromatography to isolate DON in wheat,
barley, malted barley, corn, and oats. The test can be performed in
less than 30 minutes and is sensitive enough to detect levels of DON
as low as 0.5ppm or as high as 50ppm. Results can be recorded using
a digital fluorometer with automatic printing devices.
DON FQ has been approved by the USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) to test for DON in the official grain inspection system. GIPSA Administrator Donna Reifschneider is quoted on the agency’s web site saying, “GIPSA’s evaluation of this test will help the grain markets make more informed decisions about the grain being bought and sold."
Availability and Pricing
Orders are currently being accepted for DON FQ and pricing information
may be obtained by contacting VICAM or your local VICAM distributor.
About USDA-GIPSA
GIPSA is a USDA Marketing and Regulatory Program established to ensure
fair and competitive trading practices for all those involved in the
marketing of grain and related products, along with livestock, poultry,
and meat. GIPSA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) establishes
Official Standards for Grain, used by buyers and sellers of grain to
communicate the type and quality of grain bought and sold. Through
FGIS, GIPSA also determines standard methods of testing to accurately
and consistently measure grain quality.
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