VICAM’s Immunoaffinity Column enhances mycotoxin analysis
The new product can detect deoxynivalenol and Nivalenol in a single run
VICAM has introduced the DON-NIV WB Immunoaffinity (IA) column, described as the only IA column on the market to screen simultaneously for deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV). Coupled with liquid chromatography analysis, the DON-NIV WB column provides over 90% recovery of both DON and NIV and doubles the productivity of commercial, government, and food safety research laboratories.
DON and NIV are trichothecene mycotoxins produced by fusarium moulds. "DON was the first trichothecene mycotoxin to be regulated by many countries. Increased interest in related toxins such as NIV drives the need for improved technologies," said Marjorie Radlo, general manager, Director of Operations, for VICAM.
"The new DON-NIV WB column provides rapid and simple sample preparation using the superior strength of monoclonal antibody technology. DON and NIV are analysed simultaneously in the same sample, facilitating efficient research and more effective risk management for industry," said Dr Stephen Powers, Head of Research & Development for VICAM.
The DON-NIV WB column meets all of the stringent EU regulations for the recovery of DON in food and feeds which specify 0.2 ppm for infant foods, 0.5 ppm for breads, pastries, biscuits and cereals, and 1.75 ppm for wheat, oats, and maize. The US Food and Drug Administration advise no more than 1 ppm DON in wheat products intended for human consumption and specific levels for feeding of livestock animals. While there are currently no officially set detection limits for NIV, growing research on the co-occurrence of toxins and the potential for amplified toxicity is driving the need for increased awareness and potential regulation.
The USDA, FDA, EU, and other international regulatory standards impose specific guidelines for acceptable levels for various mycotoxins, such as aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON), ochratoxin A, fumonisin, zearalenone, and T-2/HT-2. Producers and exporters use onsite testing to ensure regulatory compliance and to protect human and animal health.
New tighter legislation for ochratoxin A levels in some spices comes into force this month.
