LANSING, Mich., Feb. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to
recent recalls of products containing cumin found to be
contaminated with peanuts and almonds, Neogen (Nasdaq: NEOG)
announced that its comprehensive line of food allergen tests
includes quantitative and screening test kits that can quickly and
accurately detect peanut and almond allergens in cumin and spice
blends.
Neogen's AOAC-approved Veratox® for Peanut Allergen
has been validated to detect and fully quantify peanut residues in
cumin in about 30 minutes, with minimal training and equipment.
Neogen also offers its Alert® for Peanut Allergen, which
screens samples at 5 parts per million (ppm), and is based on the
same technology of its Veratox test. The company offers the same
options to test samples for the presence of almonds. In addition,
the Reveal® for Peanut Allergen test kit is an effective
screening tool for the presence of peanut residues in these sample
types.
For companies that prefer not to do their own on-site testing,
Neogen also offers a rapid laboratory testing service at its
locations in Lansing, Mich., and
Ayr, Scotland.
"Both food allergic consumers and food producers rely on the
accurate labeling of food products to protect themselves from the
consequences of the accidental ingestion of food allergens," said
Tony Lupo, Neogen's Director of
Technical Services. "Testing that we have done with numerous raw
ingredient and finished product samples containing cumin have
detected the presence of peanuts, in high levels in some cases.
Tests can protect businesses in the food value chain — and their
consumers."
Neogen's tests detect both the nut and residual protein
remaining in shell components of peanuts and almonds.
Neogen has created a special website where processors, producers
and test labs can go for further information, including a new white
paper on contaminated cumin. The address is
www.neogen.com/CuminResponse/. On the site you will find
information on contacting Neogen to speak to a specialist, and be
able to download our new white paper, our allergen supplier
checklist, and our Food Allergen Control Handbook.
Neogen's food allergen testing products have been developed in
close cooperation with the University of
Nebraska's Food Allergy Research and Resource Program
(FARRP, www.farrp.org). FARRP is a food industry and university
partnership that was formed to provide research and resource tools
to the food industry. It is the leader in training and educating
the industry on allergen awareness.
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, food allergens, drug residues,
plant diseases and sanitation concerns. Neogen's Animal Safety
Division is a leader in the development of animal genomics along
with the manufacturing and distribution of a variety of animal
healthcare products, including diagnostics, pharmaceuticals,
veterinary instruments, wound care and disinfectants.
CONTACT:
Jennifer Baker, Neogen
Corporation
517/372-9200, jbaker@neogen.com
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SOURCE Neogen