Press Releases
VICAM Releases New Rapid Fluorometric Test for Deoxynivalenol (DON) Detection
New test offers reliable and inexpensive alternative to laboratory methods for quantitative detection of toxin
Watertown, MA (July 24, 2007) –– DONtestTM FL+, a new fluorometric test for detecting and measuring deoxynivalenol (DON) from VICAM, offers farmers and other members of the grain and feed industries a fast, reliable alternative to more expensive and complex quantitative methods of detecting this deadly, natural contaminant. DONtest FL+ measures DON levels as low as 0.25 ppm and as high as 6 ppm, outperforming enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and lateral flow tests in accuracy, while ensuring reliable results without a costly investment in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipment or highly trained analysts.
As international mycotoxin regulations proliferate, VICAM, a world leader in food safety testing, continues to expand its comprehensive suite of immunoaffinity column tests with new options. “Our latest offering, DONtest FL+, provides customers who need highly sensitive and precise results with the advantages of VICAM’s advanced technology,” says VICAM General Manager and Director of Operations, Marjorie Radlo. “VICAM’s comprehensive family of immunoassay test kits has proven itself time and again in more than 100 countries. By combining our patented immunoaffinity columns and streamlined protocols with a user-friendly fluorometer, VICAM has created a rapid, quantitative DON test that enables our customers to test with confidence right in the field.”
Studies implicating DON in a variety of serious animal and human diseases have fueled growing concern among food safety officials around the globe. Legal limits of less than 0.2 ppm for processed, cereal-based foods for infants and young children and less than 1.75 ppm for unprocessed wheat are currently in force in the European Union. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established advisory levels for DON at less than 1 ppm in finished wheat products for human consumption and less than 5 ppm and 10 ppm for animal feed.
About Deoxynivalenol (DON)
At present, frequent, accurate testing is the only practical way of preventing consumption of unsafe levels of DON in wheat, corn, barley, and other grains. Produced by soil-borne Fusarium molds that are virtually impossible to eliminate from the environment, DON is more commonly known as vomitoxin because of its anorexic effects on livestock. In addition to interfering with animal growth and productivity, DON is suspected of playing a role in moldy corn toxicosis in swine, as well as in human alimentary toxic aleukia, an acute hemorrhagic syndrome that can lead to anemia and even death.
Availability and Pricing
Orders are currently being accepted. Pricing information can be obtained by contacting VICAM or your local VICAM distributor.
About VICAM
VICAM is a world-leading provider of mycotoxin and microbiological testing solutions. Since 1985, VICAM has been dedicated to developing USDA- and AOAC-approved rapid tests for mycotoxins and foodborne pathogens. VICAM's mycotoxin test kits offer a choice of HPLC or fluorometric detection methods for reliable quantitative detection of a wide variety of mycotoxins. Around the world, VICAM products are used with confidence by customers who trust our commitment to extending the value of those products with unmatched service and support. We guarantee satisfaction with expert technical assistance and top-of-the-line customer care through a global scientific and distribution network that develops, markets, sells, and services our products in more than 100 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.vicam.com or call +1.617.926.7045.