Product Updates
Contamination Thresholds: This month discussion has continued on proposed contamination thresholds of 0.1% and 1% (w/w) for undeclared meats. At the recent FSA Board meeting it was reported that the Analytical Methods Working Group together with other key stakeholders are working on the final report to address the issues, which will include the enforcement approach and information to consumers. The Raw Meat FlowThrough™ tests (cow, horse, pig, poultry, sheep) will detect undeclared meats in the range 0.25% to 1% and will help companies take immediate corrective actions.
Where are the Mycotoxins?: After the mild, wet winter in the UK growth of winter cereals is under way. Although some plant disease has been reported it is too early to predict how the growing season will unfold. Meanwhile RASSF alerts for mycotoxin hazards (aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins) in foods during March have covered pistachios, figs, black pepper, paprika, maize and garlic powder. Screening these types of commodities for the relevant mycotoxins is possible with a range of analytical techniques (e.g. rapid LFDs, ELISA and fluorometric techniques). Proving popular in Vicam’s range is the Vertu™Lateral Flow Reader which provides quick and easy to use quantitative results with three test kits: Afla-V, DON-V, Fumo-V. Also there are the Myco6in1+™ columns for the simultaneous detection by LC/MS/MS of eight of the world’s most strictly regulated mycotoxins.