Neogen develops a new sanitation monitoring system

LANSING, Mich., April 7, 2004 — A new sanitation monitoring system is now available worldwide from Neogen Corporation. Neogen’s new AccuPoint™ ATP Sanitation Monitoring System puts the speed and convenience of ATP testing in a rugged, but lightweight instrument that easily fits in the palm of your hand—and it is available for less than one-half of major competitors’ published prices.

ATP is an abbreviation for adenosine triphosphate, a chemical compound found in all living matter, including bacteria, food debris, yeast and mold. Much of the residue commonly referred to as “dirt” is actually bits of living matter, or matter that was once living. If you find residue, even residue not visible to the naked eye, you will find ATP. If you find ATP, you find a potential source for dangerous microscopic bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria, as well as yeast and mold, and other bacteria that accelerate the spoilage of food.

“Developing a better ATP testing system is another example of Neogen responding to the needs of the food industry,” said Ed Bradley, Neogen’s vice president of Food Safety Sales and Marketing. “Our many years of working closely with food industry professionals led to the development of AccuPoint. They wanted a lower initial cost and a more consistent, reliable system that could be effectively operated by anyone at their plant with no user variability. Results are available in just 20 seconds from the time the sample is taken.”

The AccuPoint system combines an advanced hand-held instrument, unique sampling devices that are superior to conventional swabs, and intuitive software for easy data tracking and analysis. The design of AccuPoint’s sampling devices, available for both surface and liquid applications, provides greater sampling effectiveness and consistency. The samplers use a large surface area sample pad and sturdy design to consistently collect and detect potential sources of product contamination. The increased pressure that can be applied with AccuPoint’s samplers better penetrates surface crevasses, and breaks up existing biofilms to capture previously-undetected organisms. These organisms include foodborne pathogens, which can lead to recalls or consumer illness.

The AccuPoint system is backed by Neogen’s unparalleled worldwide food safety sales and service organization. Recognizing that the food industry does not operate within the concept of “normal business hours,” Neogen offers the industry’s only 24-hour technical support. Free training is available on all of Neogen’s testing products, and help is available whenever it is needed. The system replaces a product that Neogen formerly distributed only in North America.

Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) develops and markets products and services dedicated to food and animal safety. The Company’s Food Safety Division markets dehydrated culture media, and diagnostic test kits to detect foodborne bacteria, natural toxins, genetic modifications, food allergens, unique proteins, drug residues, plant diseases and sanitation concerns. Neogen’s Animal Safety Division markets a complete line of diagnostics, veterinary instruments, veterinary pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, disinfectants, and rodenticides.

Certain portions of this news release that do not relate to historical financial information constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or those expected depending on a variety of factors listed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s most recently filed Form 10-K.