Neogen launches fully quantitative lateral flow test for fumonisin

LANSING, Mich., June 11, 2012 — Neogen has developed a new test for fumonisin that combines the speed and simplicity of a lateral fl ow test with the fully quantitative precision of a more demanding testing method.

Neogen’s new Reveal® Q+ for Fumonisin delivers precise results ranging from 0.3 to 6 parts per million (ppm) of fumonisin after only 6 minutes. Reveal Q+ test strips are read in Neogen’s AccuScan® lateral flow test reader to deliver quantitative results.

“Reveal Q+ for Fumonisin is the easiest test available for rapid, fully quantitative test results, and uses a more environmentally friendly ethanol extraction,” said Ed Bradley, Neogen’s vice president for Food Safety. “Thisinnovative technology yields more accurate and reproducible results. Coupled with Neogen’s AccuScan III reader, the Reveal Q+ system objectively reads, analyzes and stores test results.

“Reveal Q+ for Fumonisin joins our line of fully quantitative mycotoxin lateral flow tests that includes testsfor afl atoxin, DON and zearalenone,” Bradley continued. “Tests for T-2/HT-2 toxin and ochratoxin are in the final stages of development, and a version of our Q+ test for aflatoxin that uses a water extraction is also being released today. The new Reveal Q+ products only add to Neogen’s unmatched range of simple and accurate lateral flow, microwell, immunoaffinity column mycotoxin testing options — all of which are backed by the best technical and R&D support in the industry.”

Reveal Q+ for Fumonisin offers room temperature incubation of the test strip and storage of the test kit — eliminating the need for an incubator and refrigeration space. The test requires only minimal equipment to achieve precise results and a simple low cost ethanol extraction process. Ethanol is the preferred extract solvent of some major grain handlers.

Neogen’s AccuScan III reader provides an easy method to objectively read, store, and analyze results from Neogen’s line of lateral flow tests. AccuScan provides a permanent result that can be incorporated into a company’s food safety plan, such as HACCP.

Fumonisin commonly infects corn and rice, hence the potential for fumonisin to be found in feed and foodstuffs is high. Fumonisin affects various animals differently, and is of special concern to horses and swine. It has been linked to esophageal cancer in humans. The EPA classifies fumonisin as a category II-B carcinogen.

Neogen Corporation develops and markets products 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 modifi cations, food allergens, 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.