FDBusiness.com

Neogen has added to its comprehensive range of mycotoxin testing solutions with the development of a new, highly sensitive, quantitative test for Ochratoxin.  Veratox® HS (high sensitivity) for Ochratoxin has been developed specifically for the European market to allow users to test quickly and accurately for low levels of the mycotoxin in line with the permitted regulatory levels.

The European Union (EU) limits Ochratoxin levels in cereal grains such as wheat and corn to three parts per billion (ppb) with other countries looking to possibly introduce similar maximum tolerance levels. This new test delivers precise detection of 2–10 ppb of Ochratoxin after only 30 minutes, allowing users throughout the supply chain to make informed decisions with more confidence when nearing the legislative limit.

From grain elevators to food business operators, the responsibility to ensure that food products are compliant with regulations, and therefore safe for consumers, lies with those involved at each stage of the supply chain. Regular testing can help to ensure food products do not contain mycotoxins above the maximum levels.

This test also serves those looking to import cereal goods to the EU meeting the legal requirements. Food commodities imported from non-EU countries are required to comply with EU mycotoxin legislation regarding maximum levels. In 2014, twenty percent (20%) of all refused EU food and feed border imports were declined due to overly high levels of mycotoxins.

“The development of this new test for Ochratoxin was in direct response to customer feedback to modify our existing test to accommodate the changing marketplace needs,” says Steve Chambers, Sales and Marketing Director at Neogen Europe. “Since we first developed rapid mycotoxin tests more than 30 years ago, our tests have constantly evolved to improve their speed, accuracy and ease of use. Veratox HS for Ochratoxin is yet another example of that evolution.”

Veratox HS for Ochratoxin is intended for the quantitative analysis of Ochratoxin in corn and wheat. The test is a competitive direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CD-ELISA) that allows the user to obtain exact concentrations in ppb.

Ochratoxin is commonly produced by the moulds Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium viridicatum, and may be present in conjunction with Aflatoxin, one of the most potent naturally-occurring carcinogens. Ochratoxin affects kidneys in animals exposed to naturally-occurring levels of this mycotoxin. Poultry exhibit lower productivity levels during field outbreaks of ochratoxicosis with symptoms including slowed growth and decreased feed conversion. It has also been known to affect egg production in laying hens.

For more information on Neogen’s comprehensive range of mycotoxin testing solutions including rapid lateral flow tests and quantitative ELISAs to detect aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin, T-2 / HT-2 toxin and zearalenone simply call +44 (0) 1292 525 625, Email mycotoxins@neogeneurope.com or visit www.neogeneurope.com.