Neogen’s Madden named USDA advisor

LANSING, Mich., June 21, 2005 – Neogen Corporation’s Vice President of Scientific Affairs Dr. Joseph Madden was among 30 scientific experts recently appointed by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns to the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods.

Since 1988, this advisory committee has provided scientific advice on public health issues relative to the safety and wholesomeness of the U.S. food supply. The committee also assists in the development of microbiological criteria, and reviews and evaluates epidemiological and risk assessment data as well as methodologies for assessing microbiological hazards.

“The casual observer of media hyperbole might draw the conclusion that our food supply is more at risk than ever before. Quite the opposite is true,” said James Herbert, Neogen’s president. “Thanks to the efforts of many, including this National Advisory Committee, we’ve made great strides in making our food supply the safest it has ever been. Secretary Johanns’ appointments to this committee represent the best thinking on food safety from regulatory, industry, and academia.”

The 30 have been chosen to serve for two-year terms, and represent disciplines related to health and food safety issues. In addition to Neogen, appointees also include food safety experts from McDonald’s Corporation, Wal-Mart, Hershey Foods, and numerous governmental agencies and research institutes.

Dr. Madden has served as Neogen’s vice president of scientific affairs since joining the company in 1997. Prior to joining Neogen, Dr. Madden spent 21 years with the FDA, retiring from the agency as its microbiology strategic manager for its Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Dr. Madden is regarded by regulatory agencies and the food industry as one of the nation’s top experts on both scientific and regulatory issues relating to food safety.

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.