Neogen develops quicker test for yeast and mold

LANSING, Mich., Nov. 7, 2011 — Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) has developed an even quicker method to rapidly and accurately detect yeast and mold in food products. Neogen’s new Soleris® test detects yeast and mold in 48 hours or less — conventional methods take up to 5 days.

Tests for yeast and mold comprise approximately 15% of all microbiological tests performed worldwide. While it does not present the acute health threats of foodborne pathogens, spoilage caused by yeast and mold is one of the leading causes of food loss. Yeast and molds are a large and diverse group of microorganisms that can cause various degrees of deterioration and decomposition of foods.

“With the recent marking of global population at 7 billion, reducing food loss is becoming more critical than ever,” said James Herbert, Neogen’s chairman and CEO. “The United Nations estimates that approximately one-third of all the food produced annually is lost or wasted before it is consumed. The use of our new Soleris test can help reduce that loss, and ensure the quality and shelf-life of a wide variety of food products.”

The new test is a Soleris direct vial system that can detect one colony forming unit (CFU) of yeast or mold per sample vial in 48 hours or less — 24 hours faster than the previous rapid yeast and mold assay, and days faster than most tests. Neogen’s new test also requires less technician time.

The Soleris system is a rapid optical method for the detection of microbial contamination based on an innovative application of classic microbiology. Soleris enables operators to release products quicker, saving the organization inventory costs, and allows operators to easily identify, monitor, and map problematic spots in their facilities.

In addition to the yeast and mold test, Neogen’s Soleris system provides the quickest automated quality indicator tests for:

• E. coli results in 7-10 hours; conventional methods take can take up to 4 days
• Total viable count (TVC) results in as little as 6-8 hours; conventional methods take 24-48 hours
• Coliform results in 9-10 hours; conventional methods take 24 hours
• Lactic bacteria results in 30-35 hours; conventional methods take 3-5 days