MILFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Waters Corporation (WAT: NYSE) today announced VICAM®, a Waters® Business, received USDA-GIPSA (Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration) certification for its Afla-V® AQUA™ strip test for the quantitative analysis of total aflatoxins in grains.
“Aflatoxin detection is critical to global food cultivation and trade. USDA-GIPSA approval provides official verification of method performance, giving our customers even greater confidence in their aflatoxin testing data,” said Marjorie Radlo-Zandi, Managing Director, VICAM. “In addition, the Afla-V® AQUA™ strip test is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional solvent based methods – improving safety and reducing the overall costs of aflatoxin testing.”
The Afla-V® AQUA™ strip test provides fully quantitative data for the determination of total aflatoxins. Results are displayed on the digital screen in just five minutes (following extraction and sample preparation) with a range of 5-300 parts per billion for total aflatoxins, and was designed to be used virtually anywhere, requiring little to no training or expertise.
Traditional methods for the detection of aflatoxins have required the use of methanol, ethanol and other solvents for the extraction step, costly chemicals which require specialized and often costly shipping, handling and storage facilities. The Afla-V® AQUA™ strip test replaces chemical solvents with a water-based extraction solution which is both environmentally friendly and safe for use in the field, process or laboratory environment.
About Aflatoxins
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring chemical byproducts of mold species, which are natural inhabitants of crop soils. Severe rain and drought can encourage aflatoxin production, and once released, aflatoxin and other mycotoxins are difficult to manage and nearly impossible to destroy. Aflatoxin B1 is classified as a Group I carcinogen and is highly toxic even at very low concentrations. The USDA, FDA, EU, and other international government agencies impose specific regulations and guidelines for acceptable levels of mycotoxins. Producers and exporters use on-site and laboratory testing to ensure regulatory compliance and to protect human and animal health from illnesses associated with mycotoxins, including cancer and feed refusal in animals.
About VICAM, A Waters Business (VICAM.com)
VICAM is a world-leading provider of mycotoxin testing solutions. Since 1985, VICAM has been dedicated to developing USDA- and AOAC-approved rapid tests for mycotoxins. VICAM’s mycotoxin test kits offer a choice of rapid qualitative screening and quantitative test methods for 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. For more information, please visit www.vicam.com or call +1.508.482.4935.
About Waters Corporation (www.waters.com)
Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT) develops and manufactures advanced analytical and material science technologies for laboratory dependent organizations. For more than 50 years, the company has pioneered a connected portfolio of separations science, laboratory information management, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis systems.