Press Releases
AFLATOXIN TESTING METHOD SELECTED AS OFFICIAL METHOD OF MEXICO
VICAM immunoaffinity columns meet specifications for official government testing method
WATERTOWN, MA (August 26, 2003) –– VICAM, a world leader in agricultural biotechnology and bioseparations, announced today that VICAM AflaTest columns comply with the testing method established by the Mexican government for use controlling aflatoxins in cereal grains intended for human and animal consumption. (Official Mexican Norm NOM-188-SSA-1-2002) The method calls for detection of aflatoxin contamination using immunoaffinity columns and quantification using either fluorometric or HPLC methods. Contamination must not exceed 20 µg/kg of total aflatoxins in cereal grains for human consumption; concentrations from 21-300 µg/kg are acceptable in cereal grains used for animal consumption.
Diego Montemayor, DVM, VICAM Territory Manager, Latin America, says "Aflatoxin regulations are often measured at parts per billion levels; international trade requires commodity producers and purchasers to use sensitive tests delivering quantitative results to measure the presence of aflatoxin. VICAM immunoaffinity columns are known worldwide for their superior accuracy and rapid-use methodology. The decision by the Mexican government to use IA columns in their official method for aflatoxin control reflects the importance of precise tests that quickly produce results.”
About Aflatoxin
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 and feed. The US
federal government action level for aflatoxin in food for human consumption
or in dairy cow feed is 20 ppb. The European Commission has action
levels for aflatoxin in cereals intended for direct human consumption
or for ingredients in foodstuffs. These action levels are 4ppb total
aflatoxin and 2 ppb for aflatoxin B1. Additionally,
EU member states have established their own maximum levels for aflatoxins
in food and feedstuffs which are not included in the EC regulations.
About AflaTest
AflaTest from VICAM is the only aflatoxin test that produces precise
numerical results. Using monoclonal affinity chromatography, AflaTest
can isolate aflatoxins B1, B2,
G1, and G2 from feeds,
foods and grains at levels as low as 0.1 ppb and as high as 300 ppb.
It can be performed in less than 10 minutes and requires no special
skills. Results may be recorded using a digital fluorometer readout
with automatic printing devices. AflaTest is also ideal as the cleanup
step for any HPLC analysis.
Availability and Pricing
Orders are currently being accepted for AflaTest. Pricing information
may be obtained by contacting VICAM or your local VICAM 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