Tag: mycotoxin

Where in the World is EnviroLogix?

Posted on by Stephanie Carollo

October is a busy month at EnviroLogix, as we take our GMO and mycotoxins diagnostics show on a world tour. Follow us around the globe as we attend international agri-business shows and conferences.  

GEAPS Brazil – São Paulo, Brazil (October 2nd-4th)  

This week, the biggest show in the grain industry is making its first appearance in South America! At GEAPS Brazil (in conjunction with Victam LATAM) in São Paulo, you can find us at Booth 6002 shining a spotlight on our industry-leading GMO and mycotoxin detection solutions. Make sure to check out our presentation on Rapid Grain & Ingredient Testing for Identity Preservation and Feed & Food Safety.   

Fuel Ethanol Laboratory Conference (FELC) – Omaha, Nebraska (October 10th-11th)  

We’re heading to the heartland of the USA to the Fuel Ethanol Laboratory Conference in Omaha, Nebraska. From October 10th to 11th, we’ll be at Booth 29, ready to discuss the needs and challenges of mycotoxin control programs for the ethanol co-products industry.    

World Mycotoxin Forum (WMF) – Antwerp, Belgium (October 9th-11th)  

On October 9th-11th, we’re crossing the Atlantic to be part of the World Mycotoxin Forum (WMF) in Antwerp, Belgium. The leading international meeting series on mycotoxins, WMF is dedicated to assembling the world’s best minds across the spectrum of mycotoxin control for the food and feed supply chain. You will find us in conference sessions–learning about present and future innovations in mycotoxin control, at our booth on the exhibition floor, and at the Company Pitch session—speaking about the Total Mycotoxin Solution.   

European Exchange Commodities (ECE) – Warsaw, Poland (October 12th-13th)  

The last stop on our world tour is the European Exchange Commodities in Warsaw, Poland. ECE brings together key participants in the European and global agri-food industries to discuss strategic challenges of food safety and security across the globe. Visit us in Hall 3 at Booth 3.34.1 to learn more about our integrated diagnostic solutions.   

Stay tuned for updates, insights, and highlights from these global events!  

Introducing the Total Mycotoxin Solution

Posted on by Alexandra Ulrich

In our 25-year history of building rapid diagnostics for the grain industry, EnviroLogix has never stopped seeking the best-fit solutions for the changing needs of our customers. In 2023, we’re excited to introduce the next step in our mycotoxin management evolution. The Total Mycotoxin Solution is a suite of unified tools designed to support every aspect of mycotoxin management from inbound screening to outbound verification.

Mycotoxin management doesn’t stop with inbound testing. Our customers have told us that they trust our TotalTox mycotoxin tests, but for compliance, still need to demonstrate that the results they generated on-site are accurate using a third-party analytical method. To best service our customers’ total mycotoxin risk management needs, we understood that it was critical for us to build lab, data, proficiency, and support services just as dependable as our rapid tests.

Launched in 2020, TotalTox rapid mycotoxin detection kits brought the fastest and simplest on-site testing solution for mycotoxins to the grain and grain co-products market. This year, we’re excited to complete the mycotoxin diagnostics picture with the expansion of our gold-standard TotalTest laboratory services program to include LC-MS/MS testing for mycotoxins in wheat and corn. We now offer an ISO 17025 accredited “Big 6” panel of all major mycotoxins from our state-of-the-art lab in greater St. Louis, Missouri.

To further help our customers safeguard on-site testing accuracy, we have also expanded the QuickCheck program to include aflatoxin in corn in addition to DON in wheat. Utilizing ISO 17034-compliant reference samples, this check sample program empowers quality and operations managers to ensure that operators are running tests successfully, equipment is in working order, and digital training records exist for audit compliance.

These new and expanded mycotoxin-focused programs are brought together seamlessly in TotalHub, a cloud-based data management portal that improves record-keeping, audit-prep, and test quality insights across all EnviroLogix products and services. Bringing diagnostic results from on-site tests run on the QuickScan reader, TotalTest Labs, and QuickCheck together under one roof ensures our customers are getting the total picture of their mycotoxin management. Now they can easily and effectively manage and execute a mycotoxin control plan without wasting time juggling information from disparate, unconnected services.

The Total Mycotoxin Solution is the most comprehensive mycotoxin management program available on the market. That’s already a huge benefit for our customers, but there are even greater wins to be found with cost savings opportunities for bundled products, and the ease and efficiency of having one number to call for best-in-class tech support on any product issue.

Ready to get started with the Total Mycotoxin Solution?

  • Contact your account manager
  • Call our Customer Service team at 866.408.4597
  • Send us a message at info@envirologix.com

Storage Under Pressure: Squeezing This Year’s Crop for Max Value

Posted on by Susan Whipkey

With unprecedented bushels per acre numbers projected a month ago, the U.S. was looking like it was headed for the largest corn harvest in history. Though recently those yield projections retreated a bit, overall numbers look like we’ll see another bumper crop of corn this year.

As is the case when corn acreage and yields are high, two factors come in to play: downward pressure on prices and less-than-ideal storage solutions, including bags, open bins, and ground piles.

In order to squeeze out the maximum value of this year’s harvest, grain handlers need to mitigate post-harvest losses due to damage, infestation, and especially mycotoxin contamination, by properly storing and monitoring corn.

Storage practices need to be adequate to protect the value of what’s being stored, distilled down to 4 factors:

1. Moisture: Mold needs moisture to grow so when you reduce your moisture content you improve your chances of winning the fight against mycotoxin producing molds. It is recommended to reduce the amount of moisture as early as possible and to keep the percent moisture at 14% or less.

2. Temperature: Keep cool and even temperatures by using proper aeration.  Why?  Keeping the temperature cool will make the environment less favorable for insects. Keeping the temperature even will reduce the chance of condensation that can occur from drastic temperature changes.

3. Insects: Control insects or mitigate insects. Insects can damage grain with digging, chewing and leaving waste, leaving it more susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. They can also bring in additional moisture.

4. Damage: Remember the old adage “quality in quality out”?  Damaged grain is more susceptible to mycotoxin contamination.  Separate or sell damaged grain to limit its incorporation into high-quality stored grains.

storage animation: moisture, temperature, damage, and insects

Monitoring incoming and stored commodities is critical to protecting value.

Remember that weather conditions are not a guarantee of either presence or absence of mycotoxins, and reliance upon rumors either way is foolhardy at best and costly at its worst.  Begin with testing incoming grain to set a baseline understanding of the grain quality in your area, then continue to monitor stored grains, whether in bins, piles, or bags.  Cool weather is no guarantee to keep molds and mycotoxins at bay, as temperatures and moisture levels especially in the center of a ground pile can climb without proper aeration.

It is generally recommended to inspect stored corn weekly during fall and spring, and once or twice a month during winter, so any potential for loss can be addressed immediately.

By regularly testing your grain, you can assure that your storage practices are working effectively, and you’ll achieve the maximum value when it’s time to sell.

A list of EnviroLogix’ most popular mycotoxin test kits for use with the EnviroLogix QuickScan II quantitative GMO and mycotoxin detection instrument appears below:

Contact us if you have questions or concerns about how mycotoxin contamination might be present in the grain in your supply chain. We can be reached at (866) 408-4597 or info@envirologix.com.

Want more great articles like this?

Name that strip!

Posted on by Daryn Daniluk

You may be moving corn for a Non-GMO Identity Program (IP), or you may be a farmer desiring a Non-GMO premium on thousands of acres of corn. The last thing anyone wants is GMO to be found while the product is headed for premium non-GMO markets. With all the GMO seed products on the market today, it is hard to keep track of which strip tests for what. Your neighbors could be buying and planting various GMO traits this spring. Wouldn’t it would be great to know what, exactly, is in your corn? Our non-GMO corn combs have as many as nine strips.  People often ask us, “what do all those strips do?” Because it is a full-time job to keep up on what GMO traits are present in any given seed, our corn comb is designed to detect the GMO protein in corn that is currently on the market. That way, you will be able to detect any and all GMO present in the corn coming through your facility, or in the seed that you are about to plant.

Our strips fall into three broad categories of trait detection:

  1. Herbicide tolerance,
  2. Lepidoptera managment, and
  3. Coleopteran management.

The first category refers to weed suppression. You’ve most likely heard of Roundup Ready. It was the first widely available trait in corn and it was a game changer. The second trait in this category that is detected by our corn comb is Liberty Link. Like Roundup Ready, it puts another powerful tool in the farmer’s tool box when dealing with competitive vegetation.

The next group is Lepidoptera managers. This is the genus of insect that Corn Borers fall into. ‘Cry’ proteins (GMO) kill insects and it is one of the most well-studied, well-characterized proteins in history. There are thousands of variations that have different effects on bugs. The ones that kill corn borers are Cry1, Cry1AB, Cry1F, and Vip3A…Vip proteins are fascinating in their own right, but we’ll write about that in a future article.

Last on our list are the Coleoptera managers, that mitigate potentially devastating pests such as root worms. In certain applications, these proteins are expressed specifically in root tissue keeping the protein where it is needed. No energy is wasted by expressing it in leaf tissue, for example. The proteins fatal to root worms are Cry3B, Cry34, and modified Cry3A.

Here is a Quick glance at the 9 strips that help you detect the presence of GMO.

Strip Name Commercial Product Function
C1 Cry1A YieldGard Bt11 Corn Borer/lepidopteran
RR Roundup Ready Agrisure, Optimum, Enlist, and others Herbicide Resistance
C3 Cry3B YieldGard Rootworm Rootworm/coleopteran
1F Cry1F Herculex, PowerCore, and Acremax Corn Borer/lepidopteran
LP Liberty Link Agrisure, SmartStax, Herculex, Optimum, and others Herbicide Resistance
34 Cry34 SmartStax, Herculex RW Rootworm/coleopteran
3A Modified Cry3A Agrisure Rootworm MIR604 Rootworm/coleopteran
C2 Cry2A Genuity/PowerCore Corn Borer/lepidopteran
VP Vip3A Viptera, MIR162 Corn Borer/lepidopteran

EnviroLogix published in Global Milling Advances

Posted on by Brian Harris

Composite image showing Global Milling Advances cover and Jamie Welch article, Increasing Throughput in Grain MillsJamie Welch, a scientist and Technology Product Manager at EnviroLogix, wrote an article on ‘Increasing Throughput at Grain Mills’ for the publication, Global Milling Advances. The article was requested by Global Milling Advances as part of their August 2018 focus on mycotoxins.

Welch’s article discusses the impact mycotoxins carry, the importance of testing, and how mycotoxin assay test time directly influences overall delivery throughput. It also touches on third party certification; data capture, analytics, and transmission; protocols; as well as sampling and other best practices.

Click here to read the article (pages 26-29). If you would like to discuss increasing your mill’s throughput, compliance, or accelerating your decisions, please contact EnviroLogix.

Poor Corn + Moisture = Mycotoxins?

Posted on by Brian Harris

Growing conditions and moisture levels are critical factors in the overall health of growing corn crops. Mycotoxin contamination can start in the field if fungi infect corn ears. The risk of pre-harvest fungal growth goes up if the condition of the crop is reported to be less than optimal (e.g., damaged by weather or insects). Another factor that increases the risk even further is moisture throughout the growing season.

Ultimately, corn that is growing in locations in which crop conditions have been classified as fair, poor, or very poor; and at the same time have been subjected to a persistently moist environment are at heightened risk for yielding grain that is contaminated with mycotoxins.

2018 Corn Crop Growing Condition as of August 22nd
State % of corn crop conditions reported
as fair, poor, or very poor
Illinois 24%
Indiana 30%
Iowa 28%
Kansas 71%
Kentucky 27%
Michigan 20%
Minnesota 23%
Missouri 71%
Montana 32%
Nebraska 17%
North Dakota 18%
Ohio 22%
Oklahoma 20%
South Dakota 33%
Tennessee 35%
Wisconsin 24%

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center database was used to identify at-risk regions with persistently moist growing conditions. The Soil Moisture Map (inset) shows persistently high levels of moisture (dark green) in several corn-growing US states from May 31st to August 27th.

Comparing this information to the corn crop quality as determined by the USDA Crop Progress and Conditions Report (see table) indicates several corn-producing states are at risk of corn crops that are contaminated by mycotoxins.

According to the Climate Prediction Center, the following states have had consistently anomalous soil moisture: Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Those states have also had double-digit percentage of fair, poor, or very poor growing conditions for corn; as have Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The table below indicates those levels.

This animation overlays the soil moisture data from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center with that of the crop conditions from the USDA Crop Progress and Prediction Report.

Sporadic reports of mycotoxin contamination have already begun to filter in as harvest season for many grains gets underway across the US. Not all crops are affected, but it’s essential to establish whether contamination has occurred in your supply chain and at what level.

If you or your suppliers are in the affected areas where factors conducive to mycotoxin contamination are prevalent, EnviroLogix strongly recommends careful sampling and testing. EnviroLogix makes a variety of test kits for testing mycotoxins in most grain types.

A list of EnviroLogix’ most popular mycotoxin test kits for use with the EnviroLogix QuickScan II quantitative GMO and mycotoxin detection instrument appears below:

Contact us if you have questions or concerns about how mycotoxin contamination might be present in the grain in your supply chain. We can be reached at (866) 408-4597 or info@envirologix.com.

Want more great articles like this?

Mycotoxins in Non-GMO Feed Grains

Posted on by Brian Harris

Eager to supply the growing demand for organically produced milk and meat, many farms are testing corn, soy, and other feed components for GMOs. But what about mycotoxins?

The limited supply of non-GMO organic grains, which we wrote about last time, sometimes forces buyers to accept more broken and imperfect grains…the most susceptible to fungal infestation and possibly the development of mycotoxins, a toxic byproduct of certain fungi.

Some mycotoxins not only reduce yields, but also cause irreparable harm and even death. Whether feeding pigs, cattle, or poultry, mycotoxin testing is crucial to the success and profitability of organic milk and meat production.

For example, pigs are extremely sensitive to mycotoxins; breeding losses and hampered weight gain can reduce margins to the point of non-profitability. Mycotoxins are detrimental to poultry as well, one of the fastest-growing segments of organic demand. With effects such as poor gut integrity and gizzard erosion, broiler, turkey, and egg production margins are at risk.

The U.S. FDA regulates mycotoxin levels in food and feed, but organic producers are limited in their mycotoxin risk management and health prevention tools. By testing frequently along the feed supply chain, farmers, suppliers and producers alike can be confident in the animals’ health and better capitalize on this growing market.

Want more great articles like this?

World GMO Cultivation

Posted on by Susan Whipkey
Chart Showing World GMO Culivation by Domestic and Imported Percentages
Growing percentage of U.S.
organic commodities from import
Demand for organic soybeans and corn is outpacing domestic supply, causing an increase in imported organic commodities, and a subsequent requirement for heightened testing.

Did you know that U.S. grain imports are on the rise? The increasing consumer demand for organic and non-GMO foods has exposed a shortfall in the U.S. supply chain. Even as domestic acreage devoted to organic soybeans and corn is increasing, production remains well short of demand.

The complex risk/reward calculation, as well as the multi-year commitment, has made it tough on US farmers to commit to joining the market. An additional 1 to 5 million acres would need to be converted to meet demand. Added to that, a ready supply of these commodities on the world market from countries such as Turkey, India, Ukraine and Romania keep a damper on market premiums for these commodities.

Unfortunately, it has also led to less-than-honest business practices, if not outright fraud, within the international supply chain. The Washington Post recently identified several shipments of grain that showed conventional pricing at the point of purchase that were inexplicably identified as organic when they reached the U.S.—and proven to not conform to the organic standard.

The truth is, there is very little confirmation testing when organic and non-GMO shipments are received; the documentation provided is relied upon, endangering the integrity of all downstream usage. Imported grain gets shuttled in numerous ways through various transit points with little traceability.

Though you are familiar with what crops are grown in your area, as well as your domestic partners supplying grain, there are many ways that your supply chain can be infiltrated with commodities from unknown sources. Reliance on paperwork and handshakes can severely compromise your product as well as your reputation.

EnviroLogix is committed to getting you the answers you need to ensure that you can reliably participate in non-GMO markets, with world-class GMO test coverage and traceable, quantifiable results for corn and soy, as well as canola, alfalfa and more. Test with confidence and get your own answers, insuring your own claims and reputation.

Want a GMO test? We have them available for the crops above and more…

For more GMO news, check out:

 

 

Want more great articles like this?

DON Flex Adds Value by Increasing Throughput

Posted on by Brian Harris

Test kit providers, including EnviroLogix, like to tell you how much time you can save when using their products. Why? Because a faster test means more throughput for your facility. For example, our DON Flex kit has the industry’s fastest sample prep and test time, meaning more trucks can be processed during a normal 8-hour shift.

Time Trucks Graphic

Why is more throughput important? By allowing you to receive more product, you are adding to your bottom line without the expense of extending shifts or adding infrastructure.

In order to help demonstrate this, our field experts got together with our product managers and designed a mycotoxin kit calculator. By simply inputting some data about your facility and capacity, we can quickly and clearly equate time savings to real dollars in your pocket. 

Because every truck has value, the ability to process more truckloads when at full capacity adds more to your bottom line. If we assume every truck is worth $300, here’s an example of how higher throughput using DON Flex can put real money in your pockets.

Money Chart Graphic

 

EnviroLogix has also developed a Common Extraction protocol for DON, Aflatoxin and Fumonisin, with one sample prep, a few transfer steps, and a common four-minute run time. By streamlining many of the steps involved in testing multiple mycotoxins, you can realize even more efficiencies in your workflow. 

Visit our Common Extraction web page to learn more about how to increase efficiencies when testing for multiple mycotoxins. 

 

 

 

Test DDGS for Mycotoxins Due to Increased Risk This Year

Posted on by Brian Harris

Although ethanol plants don’t need to check every incoming truck for every mycotoxin, it is good practice to screen the first incoming loads of harvested corn carefully to get a sense of the mycotoxins that might be present in newly-harvested corn. The mycotoxins of most concern are Aflatoxin, Vomitoxin (DON), and Fumonisin.  Testing for mycotoxins in ethanol plants isn’t new. It was implemented in most facilities when a secondary market for feed was found for the byproduct of ethanol production, DDGS (dried distillers grains with solubles).

Screening for mycotoxins appears to be especially important this year; double-digit percentages of corn in “poor” and “very poor” condition are being reported in 9 states responsible for 70% of the US corn production, according to the latest USDA/NASS 2017 Crop Progress and Condition Report (see graphic).

In other words, conditions are ripe, and it is important to test DDGS for harmful mycotoxins.

Feed markets have very strict guidelines about the levels of mycotoxins present. With the multiplicative effect of corn ethanol production, even small amounts of mycotoxins coming into the plant can be magnified to reportable levels in the end product. And because each mycotoxin has known negative health impacts in animals, each has individual limits that vary according to species and age.

Added to that, the new guidelines for complying with the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) require testing and traceability of feed components. Plants with robust quality systems have been able to utilize existing systems to comply with the requirements for analyzing hazards and reporting results. But FSMA does not give guidance as to how frequently or comprehensively to test.

In general, getting a comprehensive baseline for a season can help quality managers set their testing frequencies and cutoffs for any particular year, and support the justification for that testing. Supplementary testing of homogeneous DDGS can provide additional data points and confirmation of good quality screening of incoming materials. That approach provides the basis for complying with the requirements and intention of FSMA.

Along with offering mycotoxin tests for corn and DDGS, EnviroLogix has introduced Common Extraction  testing for Aflatoxin, DON and Fumonisin that will allow for one sample preparation and a common run time when testing for these three mycotoxins in incoming corn.

The resulting operational efficiency streamlines early-season testing, and our world-class QuickScan System provides unparalleled quantification and traceability.  Contact us today to find out how you can take advantage of time-saving Common Extraction mycotoxin testing.

Keep Mycotoxins in Mind and Out of Your Grain

Posted on by Brian Harris
Remember that mycotoxins are produced by molds like Aspergillus (Afla) or Fusarium (DON).  You can learn more about mycotoxins in general and find more detail on the most common individual toxins here. When we speak about controlling mycotoxin contamination, we are really discussing creating grain storage conditions that are not favorable for mold growth. Here are 4 conditions you can control to help maintain the quality of your grain and keep mycotoxins out:

Moisture

Mold needs moisture to grow so when you reduce your moisture content you improve your chances of winning the fight against mycotoxin producing molds. It is recommended to reduce the amount of moisture as early as possible and to keep the percent moisture at 14% or less.

Temperature

Keep cool and even temperatures by using proper aeration.  Why?  Keeping the temperature cool will make the environment less favorable for insects. Keeping the temperature even will reduce the chance of condensation that can occur from drastic temperature changes.

Insects

Insects can damage grain with digging, chewing and leaving waste, leaving it more susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. They can also bring in additional moisture.

Damaged Grain

Remember the old adage “quality in quality out”?  Damaged grain is more susceptible to mycotoxin contamination.  Separate or sell damaged grain to limit its incorporation into high-quality stored grains.

Are your storage practices working?

Make sure your storage practices are adequate.  Monitor the quality of your grain through testing.  Begin with testing incoming grain to set a baseline understanding of the grain quality.  Then regularly test your grain to assure that your storage practices are working effectively.  EnviroLogix offers a complete line of mycotoxin tests for your testing needs.  Envirologix’ new Flex line of mycotoxin kits, which includes the market’s fastest DON test, provides fast, easy and accurate results to help you with your grain testing needs.

Monitor Your Crops for Aflatoxin During and After Harvest

Posted on by Brian Harris

When you notice mold on food, you throw it out. But what if the mold was invisible—or even worse, invisible and incredibly toxic? That is the case with aflatoxin, one of the most poisonous natural compounds on Earth.

Aflatoxins are compounds produced by certain strains of Aspergillus fungi; aflatoxin-producing molds can grow under a broad range of temperature and moisture conditions, as well as across numerous crops. It is thought that more recent extreme weather and drought cycles are increasing the prevalence of aflatoxins.

Although there are some regulations around aflatoxin testing, enforcement is not consistent, and in developing countries, non-existent. The threat to humans, livestock, and pets is real, with effects ranging from mild (headaches, vomiting, disorientation) to severe (carcinogenic effects, reproductive issues, encephalopathy). It also presents a threat to billions of dollars’ worth of international trade; most recently evidenced by the rejection of several vessels of Brazilian corn bound for international destinations which contained dangerously high levels of aflatoxin.

Typically, aflatoxin gains a foothold in a crop during the harvest season.  However, the real threat comes during storage. The combined conditions of heat and moisture can multiply the level of aflatoxin exponentially in improperly stored crops.

Understanding our customers’ needs to efficiently screen field crops for aflatoxin, EnviroLogix was first to present the industry with an affordable aflatoxin screening tool in 2003. We continued our leadership in mycotoxin testing with the introduction of quantification via QuickScan. And that ongoing commitment to innovation has led to our newest offering: USDA/GIPSA-Certified Aflatoxin Flex.

EnviroLogix’ Flex mycotoxin testing products offer wider ranges of results at the levels most important to you. Designed to meet the most recent USDA/GIPSA criteria, Flex kits deliver accurate results in often adverse environmental conditions. And utilizing the powerful QuickScan system, the Flex line leverages all the traceability and computing power that customers have come to rely on.

Read the full news release.

DON Flex Receives GIPSA Approval

Posted on by Brian Harris

EnviroLogix Inc. is pleased to announce that its newest mycotoxin kit, DON Flex (Cat. No. AQ-304-BG), has received a Certificate of Conformance from the USDA/GIPSA Rapid Test Kit Evaluation Program.

Overall, the Flex line of mycotoxin testing products will offer wider ranges of results at the levels most important to our customers.  The ability of Flex kits to deliver accurate results in often adverse environmental conditions ensures assay consistency and reliability in today’s global grain markets.  And by utilizing the classic and powerful QuickScan System, Flex will ensure continued delivery of accurate test results with all the traceability and computing power customers have come to rely on.

According to Susan Whipkey, Product Manager, “DON Flex was developed specifically to conform to GIPSA’s newest certification criteria, leveraging all the advantages of EnviroLogix’ Flex platform.  It offers simple sample prep and the ability to fine-tune quantification for a wide array of matrices, offering exquisite accuracy and precision with a two minute test time.”

EnviroLogix was the first company to offer LFD technology for mycotoxin screening in grain.  Our focus on innovation and providing solutions in today’s identity-preservation and food-safety environments continues with the introduction of the Flex platform.

Alex Miller, Vice President, added, “In addition to our technology, we are committed to leading the industry in technical support for our partners, helping to resolve issues and address concerns of those involved in grain, feed, milling, and pet food.”

He continued, “The QuickScan System has proven to be the industry’s most versatile solution for grain handling needs.  The development of the Flex line of mycotoxin tests is just another example of EnviroLogix’ commitment to providing our customers simple, reliable and cost-effective solutions to their everyday challenges.”

 

 

Visit Us at the Midwest Specialty Grains Conference & Tradeshow

Posted on by Brian Harris

If you are in the specialty grains and oilseeds business – such as growing, buying, storing, transporting, exporting or regulating them – we hope to see you at the Midwest Specialty Grains Conference & Tradeshow, co-hosted by U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange. This event will be from August 31 – September 1 in Indianapolis, and is a tremendous opportunity for international trading companies and suppliers to meet, network and conduct business with influential decision makers in the global soy, grain, oilseed and food industry.

Chris at the 2015 Grain conference
US Sales Manager Chris Seward at the 2015 Midwest Specialty Grains Conference/US Soy Global Trade exchange

Visit our staff at booth #402 to learn about our new rapid mycotoxin tests and our innovative technology that brings rapid molecular GMO testing on-site, saving you time and money. While you’re there, tell us what you think of our new brand look!

EnviroLogix to Present at World Mycotoxin Forum

Posted on by Brian Harris

Industry expert Kyle Donovan -Business Unit Manager, Immunoassay Technologies – will be speaking at the World Mycotoxin Forum in Canada on June 7, where he will present the current science and best practices in rapid mycotoxin testing.

This 4-day conference is held jointly with the IUPAC International Symposium on Mycotoxins, and is the world’s largest mycotoxin event. It starts this afternoon and promises to be packed with information and resources.

Kyle Donovan, Busniess Unit Manager, Immunoassay Technologies
Kyle Donovan, Busniess Unit Manager, Immunoassay Technologies

We hope you can join us in Winnipeg! Kyle will also discuss our next-generation mycotoxin Flex technology and will be on-site with other EnviroLogix staff to provide demos and answer questions. In addition, this event is the first public preview of our new logo and branding. Stay tuned for more details!

If you have any questions about detecting mycotoxins, contact us anytime.

New Flex Product Exceeds 2016 GIPSA Mycotoxin Specifications

Posted on by Brian Harris

The QuickTox testing solutions have been improved to exceed the new 2016 GIPSA mycotoxin specifications. The first Flex kit for mycotoxins is for T-2/HT-2 ; Aflatoxin, DON and Fumonisin will follow, and all are designed to work on the QuickScan system. For more information about T-2/HT-2, check out our knowledgebase.

Flex advantages over the original QuickTox mycotoxin kits:

• Accuracy – test accuracy is improved by eliminating adverse environmental effects
• Time savings – the majority of Flex test kits will feature shorter run times and fewer dilution steps
• Efficiency – test a wider variety of matrices utilizing the same QuickTox Strips
• Wider range – more accurate results across a broader range of test results

Paired with the proprietary software included in the QuickScan system, QuickTox strips quantify mycotoxins in the ranges most important to you.

The dependable QuickTox mycotoxin tests for QuickScan still offer:

• Ease of use – simple procedure, less “shaking,” fewer pipetting steps, and no drying step – read the strips wet!
• Quantification – A unique barcoding system containing lot-specific standard curve data ensures accurate and precise mycotoxin measurement while eliminating the need for calibrators or standards.
• Traceability – Instantaneous data and image storage onto a host PC (or network) means test results can be emailed, printed or analyzed for management decisions at any time.

What is T-2 toxin?

Posted on by Brian Harris

What is T-2 toxin?

T-2 toxin is a trichothecene, produced by the Fusarium species of fungi.  Fusarium spp. are also responsible for vomitoxin (DON) and zearalenone.  T-2 can be found under similar growing conditions (wet and cool).

What is HT-2 toxin?

HT-2 toxin is a metabolite of T-2, and cannot be differentiated immunologically.  The EnviroLogix T-2/HT-2 rapid assay has balanced recognition of both toxins, and delivers a combined result.  Both T-2 and HT-2 are toxic, and emerging regulations and current recommendations do not require differentiation between the two forms of the toxin.

Regulations vary globally, and can be found as low as 5 ppb in food and 10 ppb in feed (EU), but most limits are greater than 50 ppb.  T-2/HT-2 toxicity is well characterized in research, even though it is not well regulated as a result.  There are acute (immediate) and chronic (long-term) affects to T-2 exposure, including apoptosis (programmed cell death) within immune systems and fetal tissues.  On the skin, the toxin is absorbed quickly and can produces lesions.

Are these toxins dangerous?

In humans, the toxin does not stick around within the body; it is rapidly metabolized.  However, the impact of ingestion can be severe at high concentrations, even fatal.  There are controversial accounts and some evidence that T-2 has been used in chemical warfare, including against the US forces during Operation Desert Storm.

Animals are particularly susceptible to the effects of T-2 ingestion. Although they also rapidly metabolize T-2, animals experience impacts similar to DON including lower feed intake and reduced weight gain, combined with other negative chronic effects to immune and reproductive systems.

Stop By GEAPS Booth #235 and WIN!

Posted on by Brian Harris

We are heading south to participate in GEAPS Exchange 2016, and hope to see you there.

 

QuickScan Catalog ImageFREE QuickScan Immunoassay Reader

A drawing for new customers!
QuickScan is a flexible and precise immunoassay strip-reading system. Using a touchscreen PC, the QuickScan System can process strips for both GMOs and mycotoxins simultaneously to provide objective, quantifiable results.

10 FREE Rapid Mycotoxin Testing Kits

A drawing for our valued current customers!QuickComb for QuickScan Corn
As you already know, our simple immunoassay solutions for detecting mycotoxins and GMOs are:
  • Easy to use
  • Flexible
  • Precise

So what could be better? Getting some for FREE!

Enter to win 10 mycotoxin kits of your choice OR 40 GMO corn comb tests.

Earn a $100 Cabela’s gift card

Are you a corn or soy processor?

Are you willing to talk with us at GEAPS for half an hour about your current GMO testing practices?

If your answer to both questions was YES, please click contact us or stop by booth #235 and request an appointment.

We will thank you for your time with a $100 Cabela’s gift card.

Winter Wheat Harvest Woes

Posted on by Brian Harris

Wheat harvest season is well underway for many U.S. wheat growers. Some of the first soft-red wheat harvested by U.S. farmers in 2015 is the worst in at least 17 years, according to Bloomberg and other sources.

This year’s heavy rainfalls  – up to three times the normal amount – have made mycotoxin diseases like vomitoxin more prominent in many wheat-growing states.

USDA scouts recently noted that “there have been reports of elevators rejecting wheat loads due to the presence of vomitoxin,” a toxic fungal residue, also known as Deoxynialenol or DON. “Winter wheat left unharvested continues to have quality issues, including problems with scab, sprouting and mold,” the scouts added. In Michigan, official scouts said that “intermittent rain showers limited the amount of winter wheat harvested this week – moisture levels were reported as high, and some growers reported vomitoxin issues.” And in Ohio, USDA staff said that “some wheat has been of such poor quality, it is not able to be sold.”

Soft-red winter wheat is typically sold to mills and turned into flour, which is then used to make consumer products like crackers and cookies. However, the poor quality of this year’s winter wheat harvest means that it may only consumable in animal feed. According to the USDA Risk Management Agency, high levels of vomitoxin may result in either a discount in price or the requirement to destroy the grain.

So how can you avoid contamination in your crops? There is no sure DON prevention, as environmental conditions play a big part. However, there are several good practices for controlling it such as crop rotation, choosing a variety with some resistance, applying fungicides in a timely manner and tillage practices. Iowa State University engineer Charles Hurburgh warns that storing wet grain, even overnight and especially without aeration, shortens its life considerably. You should check it weekly, monitoring for spikes in the temperature, and test it regularly for evidence of DON or other mycotoxins.

 

 

 

 

Are You Ready for FSMA?

Posted on by Brian Harris

Understanding FSMA and new liabilities

Each year, 3,000 Americans die from foodborne illness (Source: CDC).

The Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA,  has four main objectives:

  1. Improve capacity to prevent food-safety problems
  2. Improve capacity to detect and respond to food-safety problems
  3. Improve the safety of imported food
  4. Miscellaneous provisions, such as whistle-blower protection

If your company is required by the FDA to register under its current food facility registration regulations, FSMA applies to you.

By June 30, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration must finalize a series of seven regulations that create significant new criminal liabilities affecting companies in the food industry (Source: Retail Leader).

How big is this? Once regulations are final, business operations can cease pending investigation and a company CEO can be held personally liable for violating any of the new regulations, even if that CEO had no knowledge of the violation. If your company doesn’t have strong controls in place to manage its production as well as other aspects of the supply chain, you’re taking on significant risk.

Recognizing the FDA’s reach

More than ever before, FSMA intends to hold the food industry accountable for securing the supply chain. Here’s a short list of what’s within the FDA’s power:

  • Require a recall rather than recommend a recall.
  • Require verification of imported ingredients used in U.S.-produced feed; the burden to track is on the manufacturer.
  • Compel disclosure of records without a warrant.
  • Detain ingredients or inventory, causing delays in production and even immediate shutdown.
  • Suspend license of noncompliant operators.
  • Conduct unscheduled audits, typically records-based. This could force a reconciliation of ingredients, requiring documentation of existing best practices and their application.

Protecting your business

Agribusinesses can’t afford any gaps in their safety testing practices. To compete in this climate while protecting the supply chain and your place in it, you need strategic solutions.  You want to optimize your people, processes and technological assets for agile and effective mycotoxin testing and traceability. Contact EnviroLogix to discuss how their industry-leading  QuickScan system, GIPSA-certified QuickTox kits and team of experts can support the necessary training, testing and documentation for meeting the new FSMA regulations.

 

Portions of this post were reposted with permission from Repete.

To read the original post in its entirety, click here. 

Aflatoxin FREE receives GIPSA certification

Posted on by Kevin Brooks

EnviroLogix Inc. is pleased to announce that its QuickTox Kit for QuickScan™ – Aflatoxin FREE (Cat. No. AQ 209 BG) has received GIPSA certification in the form of a Certificate of Conformance from the USDA/GIPSA Rapid Test Kit Evaluation Program (2013-047).

According to Nick Davala, Product Manager, “The QuickScan platform has proven to be the industry’s most versatile solution for grain handling needs. The addition of a biodegradable solution to Aflatoxin testing is just another example of EnviroLogix’ commitment to providing customers simple, reliable and cost-effective solutions to their everyday challenges.”

EnviroLogix was the first company to offer LFD technology for mycotoxin screening in grain. The focus on innovation and providing solutions in today’s identity-preservation and food-safety environments continued with the introduction of QuickScan, offering the unique advantage of quantifying mycotoxins and GMOs in one PC-based testing system.

Davala continued, “In addition to our technology, we are committed to strong technical support, working hard to help our partners resolve issues, and addressing concerns across a variety of industries, including grain, feed, milling, and pet food.”

For more information about QuickScan, contact Nick Davala, Product Manager, at 1-866-408-4597 x6416, email the QuickScan Team, or visit elx/FREE.