Duo Of Aflatoxin Detection Methods from VICAM Certified

VICAM’s AflaCheck™ Strip Test and AflaTest® Single Filter aflatoxin test methods receive USDA-GIPSA Certification for use by Official Grain Inspection System.

VICAM, a world leader in food safety diagnostics, today announced that USDA-GIPSA has awarded certification to two of their rapid diagnostic methods for aflatoxin detection: AflaCheck™ and AflaTest® Single Filter methods. AflaCheck™ utilizes a lateral flow strip test design for the rapid screening of aflatoxin at 20 parts per billion (ppb) in grains in as little as three minutes. AflaTest® Single Filter provides quantitative results for aflatoxin using an AflaTest® immunoaffinity column with a fluorometer in the range of 5-100 ppb. AflaCheck™ and AflaTest® Single Filter may be implemented together as a comprehensive aflatoxin testing program at the farm, grain elevator or processing facility, as well as for grain commodities intended for export using the Official Grain Inspection System.

"We are pleased to be able to offer our customers easier and faster methods for aflatoxin detection,” said Nancy Zabe, VICAM’s Manager of Technical Services. “The new AflaTest method shaves minutes from existing methods for aflatoxin analysis and simplifies testing across the board." The rapid movement of grain after harvest requires that aflatoxin methods be available which are both fast and rugged enough to withstand the conditions of grain handling, transport and storage. AflaCheck™ provides on-the-spot aflatoxin monitoring as grain moves from the field to storage and transport. Once aflatoxin is detected, a quantitative method such as AflaTest® Single Filter with fluorometer provides quantitation in minutes. AflaCheck™ and AflaTest® Single Filter are built to perform in rugged, nonlaboratory environments, as well as in the analytical laboratories which serve food and agriculture markets.

Growth in international markets has required that aflatoxin test kits be versatile and detect low levels of contamination without compromising speed or simplicity. “Customers expect VICAM products to deliver consistent and excellent results every time – GIPSA certification provides an independent measure of the accuracy and simplicity of these methods and our customers will benefit from the assurance that it brings,” added Jim Cary, VICAM National Sales Manager.

Aflatoxins are a family of fungal toxins which are classified as Group I carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (I.A.R.C.) The US FDA and regulatory groups in at least 100 countries have set maximum allowable levels for aflatoxins and other mycotoxins which have been shown to present risks to human and animal health.

VICAM offers a full line of products for rapid detection of mycotoxins using fluorometry, HPLC and LC/MS/MS technologies, including GIPSA certified fluorometric methods for aflatoxin, fumonisin and ochratoxin in various grain commodities.

For additional information on the new USDA-GIPSA certified aflatoxin detection methods from VICAM, contact Patricia Jackson through the link provided below.

About VICAM

VICAM is a world-leading provider of mycotoxin and microbiological testing solutions. Since 1985, VICAM has been dedicated to developing USDA- and AOAC-approved rapid tests for mycotoxins and foodborne pathogens. VICAM's mycotoxin test kits offer a choice of HPLC or fluorometric detection methods for reliable quantitative detection of a wide variety of mycotoxins. Around the world, VICAM products are used with confidence by customers who trust our commitment to extending the value of those products with unmatched service and support. We guarantee satisfaction with expert technical assistance and top-of-the-line customer care through a global scientific and distribution network that develops, markets, sells, and services our products in more than 100 countries.