June 2, 2010
Charm's aflatoxin test achieves USDA Certificate of Performance
Rosa Best Aflatoxin P/N test kit from Charm Sciences has successfully attained the USDA's Certificate of Performance (COP) for the detection of aflatoxin in corn.
Charm's Best (Biodegradable Extraction Solution Technology) qualitative lateral flow test uses an aqueous-based, alcohol-free extraction solution that is safe for test operators and the environment.
Current aflatoxin detection methods for feed and grain require the use of hazardous extraction solvents such as ethanol or methanol.
The P/N tests take three minutes to run and follow the same Rapid One Step Assay (Rosa) procedure. The Best Extraction Solution is non-toxic and non-flammable, ensuring a low environmental impact and reduced storage, shipping and disposal costs compared to alcohol extractions.
This is the sixth Rosa Qualitative Test to be certified by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (Gipsa) unit of the USDA.
The Rosa BEST test joins the Qualitative P/N kits for the detection of 10 ppb aflatoxin in corn, 20 ppb aflatoxin in corn, one ppm DON in wheat and barley, and 0.5 ppm DON in wheat.
Charm Sciences provides food and feed safety diagnostics. Introduced in 1999, Charm's Rosa lateral flow tests are now the leading residue diagnostic tests employed by the food industry worldwide.